Title of Invention	A WIND FARM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE CABLE CA SYSTEM
Abstract	(A WIND FARM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE CABLE CAR SYSTEM) The present invention relates to wind farms so called, comprising at least two wind turbines and in particular to offshore wind farms. In order to provide a wind farm in which transport between separate wind turbines can be effected more safely and with less dependence on weather, at least one cable connection 10 is provided between at least two of the wind turbines 12 of a wind farm, and a vessel 14 is disposed on said cable connection 10. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the cable car system.

Title of Invention

A WIND FARM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE CABLE CA SYSTEM

Abstract

(A WIND FARM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE CABLE CAR SYSTEM) The present invention relates to wind farms so called, comprising at least two wind turbines and in particular to offshore wind farms. In order to provide a wind farm in which transport between separate wind turbines can be effected more safely and with less dependence on weather, at least one cable connection 10 is provided between at least two of the wind turbines 12 of a wind farm, and a vessel 14 is disposed on said cable connection 10. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the cable car system.

Full Text	Tied present invention relates to a wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines and in particular to an offshore wind farm. The wind turbines in wind farms are spaced from one another at such distances that any collision of blades is securely avoided even when the wind turns direction, and the effects of one wind turbine on another as a result of changing air flow conditions are kept as small as possible. The distance between wind turbines is dependent on the radius of the circle swept by the rotor of a wind turbine and, with rotor diameters in excess of 100 m now possible at the current state of technological development, the distance between wind turbines will increase still further due to the even larger dimensions of new wind turbines. Depending on location and size, each wind turbine requires maintenance and the elimination of any malfunctions that may arise. To do this, personnel and material must be transported to the wind turbine. It is relatively easy to bring personnel and material to every wind turbine on land-based wind farms, whereas in the case of offshore wind farms this involves much greater effort and expense. The process can be simplified by bringing people and goods, such as tools, spare parts, etc. to one place only, rather than having to call at each separate wind turbine on a wind farm. The problem voice then arises is that of distributing landed goods, or generally of transporting goods and/or people between the wind turbines of a wind farm, and particularly of an offshore wind farm-Based on the premise that a wind farm has a central landing place where all goods and persons arrive or depart, the latter must accordingly be transported between the separate wind turbines of the wind farm, A characteristic of offshore wind farms is that the weather there is always rougher than on land. Winds can blow obstructed and quickly reach high speeds. Furthermore, waves of greater or lesser height must be expected at all times. Therefore, transporting goods and ferrying people to the separate wind turbines is not only unpleasant in many cases, but may even involve a considerable degree of risk. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a wind farm in which transportation between the separate wind turbines can be carried out safely and securely. This object is accomplished according to the invention by a cable connection between at least two of the wind turbines and by a gondola disposed on said cable connection. Transportation of people and goods between the wind turbines can be achieved with said gondola. Advantageous embodiments for other wind farm structures are described in the following. The cable connection is preferably spanned at such a height that it neither impinges on the rotor diameter of the wind turbine nor touches the crests of waves, even when the waves are high. A deflection member for the cable connection can be provided on each wind turbine, such that the cable connection is spanned as an endless cable loop between the deflection members and the gondola is fixedly connected to the cable connection. By this means, the gondola can be driven in the desired direction by moving the cable connection, and the structure is kept very simple. When there are tw/o wind turbines connected to each other, the cable connection travels around the deflection member at each wind turbine and back to the other wind turbine. When the cable connection connects at least three wind turbines with each, the deflection member on the middle wind turbine serves as a support, and the cable connection is guided onwards to the respective outer wind turbine. The cable connection can be moved by means of a motor, and preferably by an electrically driven motor. This is particularly advantageous, because electrical energy is generated in the wind farm and is therefore readily available, thus obviating the need to transport other energy carriers, such as fuel. Electric motors can also be controlled in a simple manner. The cable connection suitably comprises a main cable and a traction cable. Although the gondola is mounted on the main cable, it is able to travel in relation to said main cable. The traction cable is attached to the gondola. When the traction cable is pulled in the desired direction of travel, the gondola moves along the main cable in the desired direction. This traction on the traction cable can be provided by a motor. Electrical energy is advantageously used as the drive energy. The deflection member preferably comprises two independently rotatable deflection pulleys, whereby the main cable is guided over one roller and the traction cable over the other roller. The traction cable can be configured as a circulating endless cable loop, whereas the main cable can be provided only once along the stretch travelled by the gondola. Due to the endless traction cable, it is sufficient to have a reversible drive for the traction cable in order to drive the gondola in the desired direction, and one can dispense with any reeling devices for the traction cable at the two ends thereof. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the gondola moves along the main cable under its own power. A motoric drive and preferably an electromotoric drive can be provided for this purpose, whereby the store of energy for driving the motor is provided in an energy storage means in the gondola, for example in an accumulator. A manual drive may be provided as an alternative to the motoric drive, or as a supplementary emergency drive so that the gondola can be moved in emergency operation even when there is a failure of the motor or the energy store. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive energy is supplied via the cable connection, the main cable, the traction cable and/or a separate conductor line when the gondola is driven electrically. By this means, control signals can also be transmitted to the gondola and/or a tower by remote control, for example to control the drive motor or a winch or the like. In a preferred development of the invention, telematics data, for example, are transmitted via the electrical connection to a central wind turbine or to several wind turbines. Furthermore, it is possible via the cable connection to process the communications, with each other and with the gondola, of all the wind turbines in the wind farm between which the cable car is provided. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, these communications, that is to say, for example, the transmission of telematics data, control signals, etc. between separate wind turbines on the wind farm and/or the gondola, can be effected at least in part by wireless transmission. The cable connection can be structured in different ways. A simple structure is based on the principle of a chain, in which all wind turbines are connected to each other by the cable connection "like beads on a chain". In this structure, the cable connection is a single continuous cable connection that connects at least some of the wind turbines in a predefinable series with each other. However, the wind turbines may also be positioned in several rows, for example in three rows, and the cable connection follows, for exaniple, a path in the shape of the letter "S" between the wind turbines to connect the wind turbines with each other. An alternative variont of the cable system is a star-shaped arrangement of the cable connection, starting from a central wind turbine representing, for example, a central landing place, so that all other wind turbines can be reached by the shortest possible path. Another variant is a networked cable system that not only provides shortest possible connections from a central wind turbine to the other wind turbines, but also forms relatively short stretches between all the wind turbines. In order to keep the horizontal displacement of the gondola on the cable connection low while the gondola is travelling between the wind turbines of a wind farm, or to prevent such displacement within certain limits, the wind farm according to the invention has, in a preferred development, a holding cable that is provided at a predefined vertical distance parallel to the cable connection. The distance is dimensioned in such a way that the gondola is guided between the cable connection and the holding cable. In this arrangement, the cable connection is preferably above the gondola, and the holding cable is below the gondola. In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, one (upper) part of the endless cable loop in a cable connection configured as an endless loop can carry the gondola, while the other (lower) part of the endless cable loop performs the function of the holding cable. In an alternative embodiment, a flywheel mass rotating about a vertical axis is used to stabilise the gondola. Said flywheel mass is driven by a motor and acts as a gyroscope to counter any horizontal displacement of the gondola. Preferably, each wind turbine of the wind farm has a closeable door in its tower. Said door is generally located at the height at which the gondola reaches the wind turbine. This enables loading activities to be performed without having to overcome a difference in height. In another preferred development, the wind turbines and the gondola have a lacking device that permits the loading and unloading position of the gondola tc be prescribed, such that swinging movements of the gondola relative to the tower of the wind turbine are prevented vi/hen the gondola is in said position. The locking device is preferably configured in such a way that one part of the locking device is provided close to the door on the tower of the v/ind turbine, and the other part at a suitable position on the gondola. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the locking device is a two-point locking device, in order to avoid the formation of a pivotal point that occurs when locking operates at one point only. Preferably, said locking device can function eleclromagnetically and be switched on and off by operating a switch inside the tower and/or from the gondola. This enables convenient and secure handling without the risk of injury as a result of a swinging gondola that may, for example, collide with the tower due to wind action. in one preferred development of the invention, the locking device can be remotely controlled, and it is particularly preferred for it to be remotely controllable from the gondola so that manual operation can be avoided. By this means, the latent risk of injury when operating the locking device is further reduced. A particuiarfy preferred embodiment is one in which a cover of substantially horizontal extension is mounted above the opening on at least one wind turbine, said cover bearing a protective wall extending substantially vertically and at a predefined distance parallel to the cable connection. By means of the cover and the protective wall, which enclose a predefined angle, a protective roof is formed that protects the gondola when in the area of the opening as well as the opening itself against weather. The gondola and the opening are protected by the tower itself, on the one hand, and by the protective roof, on the other, such that the gondola is shielded against the wind and is not pushed against the tower. If the protective roof is made long enough, displacement of the gondola and hence a potential collision with the tower can be avoided even when the wind or wind vectors are transverse to the direction in which the gondola is travelling. The horizontal spacing between the outer ends of the first protective wall and the tower is preferably greater than the horizontal spacinc; to the central portion of the protective wall. In this way, collisions between the gondola and the protective wall are prevented even v/hen the gondola is horizontally displaced towards the protective wall, for example by cross winds. in one preferred development of the invention, additional protective walls can be attached to the tower on both sides of the opening paraile! to the first protective wall and at the same height, said additional walls extending the area in (ee of the tower such that a wind vector transverse to the direction in which the gondola is travelling does not push the latter against the outer protective wall. The honzontal distance between the protective walls at the tower can be substantially equal to the width of the gondola and enlarge towards the lateral ends of the protective walls, such that a horizontal displacement of the gondola in the entry area between the protective walls does not lead to collisions between the gondola and one of the protective walls. The gondola itself can preferably be fitted with elastic coating at each of the corners on the lower portion of the gondola cabin, and hence at those points that will be affected first in the event that a collision with other facilities of the wind farm occurs as a result of the gondola being horizontally displaced. On the one hand, said coatings dampen any collision that might occur, thus preventing damage occurring to the gondola and other facilities of the wind farm, and on the other hand they serve as buoyancy aids to keep the gondola buoyant in the event of an accident. At the same time as, or in place of the elastic coating on the gondola, such a coating may also be provided on the protective walls, especially in the entry area and at a height at which a horizontally displaced gondola first collides with the protective wall, A particularly prefen-ed embodiment is one in which a first gangboard is provided at the second protective wall, said gangboard having a retention facility, such as a railing, all around it. In one advantageous development of the invention, the gangboard extends over the entire length of the protective wall and is attached in such a way that it can be reached from the opening. By this means, the outer side of the gondola can be reached in order to perform repair work and/or maintenance and cleaning work, for example. If the second protective wall is present, the gangboard can be delineated on one side by said protective wall, and a retention facility can be dispensed with there. It is particularly preferred to provide a second gangboard parallel to the first on the first protective wall. Said second gangboard, too, has a retention facility on the sides which are not adjacent to the first protective wall. As a further preferred embodiment, a transverse gangboard can be provided at at least one outer end of the first and second gangboards, wherein said transverse gangboard bridges the gap between the substantially parallel first and second gangboards. To enable unobstructed entry and exit of the gondola, the transverse gangboard can be pivotably coupled at one of its ends and pivoted upwards about its pivot axis in order to clear the way for the gondola to pass through. In one advantageous development of the invention, such transverse pivotable gangboards are coupled at both ends of the first or the second gangboard, thus enabling all sides of the gondola to be reached from the outside. The gap between one transverse gangboard and the other is preferably selected so that it is substantially equal to the relevant dimensions of the gondola. In one particularly preferred development of the invention, at least one of the transverse gangboards is slideable along its pivotal axis, such that the distance between the transverse gangboards can be altered and hence adjusted to the respective requirements. On at least one wind turbine tower, a hoisting apparatus can be provided, preferably under the protective roof, said hoisting device enabling the handling of heavy freight, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the handling of the gondola and gondola parts, for example for repairs. By means of such a hoisting apparatus, provided it is designed for an appropriate load, the entire gondola can be hoisted so that the underside of the gondola can be reached from the gangboard for repair, maintenance and cleaning purposes. In one aiternative embodiment of the invention, a suitably mounted single- or multi¬part working platform can be provided in place of gangboards in order to reach the outer sides of the gondola. To this end, the area of the working platform can have a minimum size that enables all sides of the gondola to be accessed from the outside. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, a working cage or a crown safety platform can be provided, wherein said cage or platfoim can be moved and/or pivoted such that the outer sides of the gondola can be reached. The crown safety platform, like the working platform, is enclosed on all sides by a retention facility in order to prevent any unintentional fall from the platform or cage on the part of personnel working thereon. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the door is larger than the cross section of the gondola, and the cable system extends into the tower of the wind turbine. This is achieved by having at least one set of points at each tower along the cable connection. In this way, the gondola can travel through the opened door in the tower and be loaded and/or unloaded therein regardless of weather conditions. A closed gondola provides for transportation of people and goods in such a manner that they are substantially protected against the weather. In one particularly preferred development of the invention, the gondola is configured so that it has a closeable exit opening through which the guide with which the gondola is suspended from the cable connection and guided can be reached. In order to avoid the loss of the gondola in the event of it falling from the cable, the gondola is preferably designed to be buoyant, and can dispose of signalling means such as signal guns, flares or the like, as well as buoyancy aids such as automatic seir-inriaiing iioat nngs. These buoyancy aids increase the buoyancy of the gondola so that it remains buoyant even wlien loaded. In one preferred development of the invention, the gondola has righting aids that at least make it more difficult for the gondola to overturn, or indeed prevent it from doing so. in order to effect monitoring of operation, or at least semi-automatic control of the cable car system, a central control device as vjell as a plurality of sensors and/or actuators are provided. The sensors and/or actuators can be connected to the central control device via an interface. By means of sensors connected thereto, the central control device can thus identify, on the one hand, certain operating parameters and states, for instance the position of the gondola, its operating speed, the horizontal displacement, the weight of the gondola, the rotational speed of a flywheel mass, the amount of energy stored, motor operational data, the openings in the towers (closed, open, ...), etc. Of course, telematics data can also be captured by sensors in the machine house of a wind turbine and subsequently processed. By means of the actuators provided, the central control unit is able to Influence operating parameters and states. This can involve, for example, controlling the locking device between the gondola and the tower, depending on the position of the gondola relative to the tower, or controlling the lighting under the protective roof, or controlling position lights (insofar as any are provided on the towers and/or other parts of the wind farm) depending on brightness, or automatically releasing or operating doors, or influencing the speed of the gondola, including bringing it to a stop. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the control system can be decentralised. To this end, separate control systems can be provided in at (east two of the wind turbines on a wind farm, said systems communicating with each other and with the gondola. In this way, operating parameters and states can similarly be identified and analysed. Each control system can be connected with a predefinable portion of the sensors and/or actuators. One advantage of this decentralised solution is the redundancy thus provided, such that in the event of a control unit failure, neighbouring c-ntrol units can take over its functions. In one particularly advantageous development of the invention, support masts are provided between wind turbines on a wind farm in order to support the cable connection and in this way prevent excessive sag of the cable connection between the towers, as well as the loads that can ensue as a result of large spans between the towers of the wind turbines on a wind farnn. The wind farm according to the invention is preferably equipped with at least one accommodation area for accommodating at least one person. The space within said accommodation area is preferably organised into different functional areas, such as a sanitation area and/or a kitchen area and/or a pantry area and/or a rest area, and it is particularly preferable that it be integrated into the tower of a wind turbine. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the accommodation area is located separately from the wind turbines but within the wind farm. This location can be a separate piatform, for example, or can preferably be on a platform mounted on a tower of a wind turbine. Said platform can serve additional functions, such as those of a helicopter pad and/or a ship's berth. Due to the limited area inside the tower, the accommodation area in a prefen-ed development of the Invention is distributed among several interconnected levels inside the tower. Within the accommodation area, equipment for communicating and signalling predefined data are provided. Said signalling may include acoustic and optical signalling, or an appropriate way of recording the data. Communication includes voice and/or data communication on wire or wireless communication links, on the one hand with remote stations outside the wind farm, such as remote operations or maintenance centres, and on the other hand with remote stauons inside the wind farm, such as other wind turbines or the gondola of the cabh car system. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, communication also includes influencing predefined operating parameters of the wind farm facilities, as well as surveillance and control of wind farm operation. By this means, a continuously manned monitoring station can be created on the wind farm according to the invention, which monitoring station can respond immediately in the event of faults or failures occurring, and can take or initiate appropriate counter-measures. In one particularly preferred development of the invention, a water treatment plant for supplying the personnel with drinking water and sen/ice water is provided, said plant being operated with electrical energy generated on the wind farm. To bridge gaps in supply due, for example, to windless conditions, a suitably dimensioned energy storage means is provided to ensure that emergency operations at least are maintained in order to continue supplying the accommodation area with energy and water. The energy storage means used for this purpose can be storage means for electrical power, such as capacitors, chemical means of energy storage, such as accumulators, or storage means for hydrogen which are charged with hydrogen obtained from seawater by electrolysis, and from which electrical energy can be obtained in a fuel cell. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least the wind turbine equipped with the accommodation area includes equipment for weather observation, and/or for detecting, analysing, recording and/or fonwarding meteorological data. Furthermore, the wind turbine or additional (all) wind turbines in the wind farm can perform functions as navigational aids for shipping, for example in the form of a sea marker or as a station for providing (first) aid to persons involved in accidents, or to shipwrecked persons. In one development of the invention, at least one wind turbine equipped with an accommodation area has a viewing platform provided on the tower of the wind turbine below the machine house. Said viewing platform can encircle the tower of the wind turbine either completely, or at least partially in a preferred, direction, and be fitted with windows that enable the surrounding area to be monitored. Said viewing platform can also be equipped with devices for signaling data, for influencing predefined operating parameters and/or for communication. The wind turbine with the viewing platform is positioned within the wind farm in such a way that a maximum number (all) of the wind turbines in the wind farm can be seen from that position. The viewing platform can be provided in close physical proximity to the accommodation area, or form an integral part thereof Alternatively, the viewing platform and the accommodation area can be spatially separated, with the accommodation area located below the viewing platform near the base of the tower in order to permit more generous dimensions of the rooms, whereas the viewing platform is located immediately below the machine house to enable good observation of the surroundings. If the distance between the viewing platform and the accommodation area is large, an elevator can be provided inside the tower to save time when making several trips a day between the viewing platform and the accommodation area, on the one hand, and to limit the physical burden on the personnel, on the other hand. The elevator can be equipped with an emergency telephone facility so that help can be called in the event of the elevator breaking down. Accordingly, the present invention provides a wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines, characterised by a cable connection spanning at least two wind turbines at a predetermined height, and a gondola disposed on said cable connection. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the cable car system provided between at least two wind turbines of a wind farm, characterised by evaluation by the central control unit of the situation as detected by the sensors, and the triggering of appropriate control signals for the actuators. Preferred developments of the invention are described in the subclaims. One embodiment shall now be described in detail with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a first variant of the cabJe system on a wind farm; Fig. 2 a second variant of the cable system on a wind farm; Fig. 3 a third variant of the cable system on a wind farm; Fig. 4 the path of the cable connection between two wind turbines; Fig. 5 an alternative cable arrangement; Fig. 6 suspension and drive of the gondola by means of a main cable and a traction cable; Fig, 7 a plan view of a wind turbine with a protective roof; and Fig. 8 a side elevation view of the tower with the protective roof. Figure 1 shows a wind farm comprising nine wind turbines 12. Said wind turbines 12 are arranged in three rows, each comprising three wind turbines 12 and connected with each other by a cable connection 10 in such a way that the gondola 14 can reach the separate wind turbines 12 separately and consecutively. Thus, when travelling from one end of the cable connection 10 to the other end of the cable connection 10, the gondola 14 always passes all the wind turbines 12 on the wind farm. The cable connection 10 can be an endless cable loop on which the gondola 14 is fixedly disposed. Therefore, when the cable moves, the gondola 14 is inevitably moved as well. If the endless cable loop lies in a substanfelly horizontal plane, the cable can be driven in a constant direction at ail times, in the simplest case, and the gondola 14 moves in the opposite direction after passing the deflection point, thereby being shifted by the horizontal dimension of the endless cable loop. However, since this also applies when travelling from one wind turbine 12 to an adjacent wind turbine 12 in the opposite direction, it may be necessary to pass all the other wind turbines of the wind farm such that the gondola must travel almost twice the length of the cable connection 10. For example, if tiie gondola 14 is located at the wind turbine marked A and must now travel to 'he wind turbine marked B, it must first travel, in the case of a unidirectional cable dhve, to the wind turbine marked C and from there back to the destination wind turbine marked B, In doing so, it travels the entire length of the cable connection almost twice. If it is possible to dhve the cable connection in two directions, all that is needed for the trip from A to B is a reversal of the direction of travel and a short trip between two wind turbines. If the cable connection 10 is an endless cable connection in a substantially vertical plane, a means for driving the cable connection 10 in two directions is absolutely essential, since otherwise the gondola fixedly attached to the cable connection 10 would get into a hazardous situation at the latest on reaching the reversal point on the endless cable loop. For this reason, sensors 44 are provided on the wind turbines marked B and C in the figure, wherein said sensors identify when their position is reached by the gondola 14, and thus initiate a stop or redirection procedure. For the sake of simplicity, these sensors are shown as switches. Other types of sensor, such as Hall sensors, optical sensors, etc., are also suitable, of course, for determining whether the gondola 14 has reached this position. Of course, the position of the sensors is chosen so that there is still sufficient stopping distance even when the gondola 14 is loaded. Figure 2 similarly shows a wind farm comprising nine wind turbines 12 arranged in three rows each with three wind turbines 12. In this arrangement, there is a central wind turbine 12 that can have special docking and storage facilities, for example. Radiating from this central wind turbine 12, there is a star-shaped arrangement of cable connections 10 connecting to all the other wind turbines 12 of the wind farm. This results in the shortest possible paths for the gondola 14 (not shown in this figure) to reach the other wind turbines 12 - each measured from the central wind turbine 12. However, a tiip from one of the non-central wind turbines 12 to another non-centrai wind turbine 12 always leads firstly to the central wind turbine 12 and onwards frcm there to the destination wind turbine 12. Also shown in this figure is a support mast 11 at a cable connection 10. Said support mast 11 supports the cable connection 10, thus preventing excessive sag of the cable connection 10 in the case of large spans between two wind turbines 12. This sag results from the cable connection's own weight. Depending on the properties of the cable connection 10. there is a maximum distance between two support points for the cable connection 10, which if exceeded may result in the cable connection 10 severing under its own weight. However, even with a lower spacing between the support points, the sag in the cable connection 10 may already be too great, causing the gondola 14 to come too dose to the water surface. This could be counteracted, theoretically, by having a higher tension In the cable connection 10. However, if a higher tension in the cable connection arises due to the effect of cold temperatures, the tensile strength may be exceeded and the cable connection 10 will sever. In other words, depending on the material used, a certain amount of sag in the cable connection 10 is unavoidable. By using support masts 11, these problems can be solved. Figure 3 shows the same arrangement of wind turbines 12 as in Figures 1 and 2. The difference again consists in the structure of the cable connection 10 between the wind turbines 12. In Figure 3, the structure is like that of a network, such that each wind turbine 12 forms a node in the network. By means of this cabte structure, even shorter distances ensue for particular stretches over which the gondola 14 (not shown in the figure) can reach particular wind turbines 12. In this figure, too, a support mast 11 is provided for a large span between two wind turbines 12 in order to limit the sag and the tension in the cable connection 10. Of course, support masts 11 can be used in any segment of the cable connection 10 between two wind turbines 12, in order to gain additional support points for the cable connection 10, Figure 4 shows two wind turbines 12 that are connected with each other by a cable connection 10. The upper portions of the towers have been left out in the figure, although the lower edge of the area swept by the rotors is shown by a broken line 30. Each of the lowers has an opening 18 that can be closed with a door, and from each opening a ladder 32 is provided that leads to the base of the tower. The opening 18 in the tower is provided at the height at which the gondola 14 reaches the tower. Above the opening 18 on each tower, a deflection member 16 is provided through which the cable connection 10 is guided. The gondola 14 is located on said cable connection 10. Depending on the embodiment of the cable connection 10. the gondola 14 is carried and/or driven by the cable connection, or the gondola 14 moves under its own power along the cable connection 10, In the example shown, a dhve motor 15 is located on the tower of a wind turbine above the deflection pulley 16, said dnve motor being able to dhve the cable connection 10 in appropriate manner in the case of a gondola 14 that is not self-propelled. In the lower part of the gondola 14 there is an additional compartment 26 that is separated from the gondola cabin by the floor of the latter. Inside said compartment 26 there is a flywheel mass 28 which by means of a drive motor is Kept at a high speed of rotation about its rotational axis, shown as a broken line. As a result of this rotation, the flywheel mass 28 acts as a gyroscope and stabilises the gondola 14 in its position by counteracting any horizontal displacement on the pari of the gondola 14, By this means, the gondola 14 is stabilised while travelling and displaced to only a limited extent, even when cross winds occur. The drawing in Figure 5 similarly shows two towers of wind turbines 12, the upper portions of which have been omitted from the figure. However, the lower portion of the area swept by the rotor: is again shown. In the towers, the closeable openings 18 are shown at the height at which the gondola reaches the wind turbine 12, Above the opening 18 there are deflection members 16 through which the cable connection 10 is guided, The gondola 14 is disposed on said cable connection 10 and can be made to travel between the wind turbines. Deflection members 16 are also provided below the openings 18. By means of these additional deflection members 16, a further cable connection in the form of a holding cable 24 is guided. Said holding cable 24 runs at a predefined vertical distance 25 parallel to the cable connection 10 and guides the gondola 14. By this means, the horizontal excursion of the gondola 14 is limited, because it is guided both above and below by cables 10,24, The potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 varies according to the distance to the next wind turbine 12. When the distance between gondola 14 and wind turbine 12 decreases, the stabilising effect of deflection members 16 increases, and the potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is accordingly lower, whereas when the distance between the gondola 14 and a wind turbine 12 increases, the amount of sag In the cable connection 10 and the holding cable 24 increases. In the middle of the stretch between two wind turbines 12, the sag is at its greatest, and hence the potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is at its maximum. Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the portions enclosed by a broken circular line in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The cable connection 10 is fonned by two cables 20, 22. The upper cable 20 is provided as a main cable and carries the gondola 14 which is moveably disposed thereon with two guide sheaves 46. The lower cable 22 is a fraction cable and is fixedly attached to the gondola 14. By operating said traction cable 22, the gondola 14 can be moved in a suspended position along the main cable. Figures 7 and 8 show a wind turbine 12 (Figure 7) and a portion of the tower of the wind turbine 12 (Figures) with a cover 34 of substantially horizontal extension disposed thereon. Figure 7 is a plan view and Figure 8 a side elevation view. The cable connection 10 runs below said cover 34; the means by which it is suspended is not shown here for the sake of a belter overview. Protective wails 36 are disposed on each of the two sides of the cover 34 that run parallel to the cable connection 10. In combination with the cover 34, these protective walls 36 form a protective roof that protects the gondola 14 and the opening 18 in the tower of the wind turbine 12 against the weather. Said protective roof extends on both sides of the opening 18, parallel to the cable connection 10. Due to the fact that, while the gondola is travelling between two wind turbines 12, horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is possible at all times, albeit limited in respect of amount and direction, the outer ends of the protective roof are widened. The spacing between the protective walls 36 increases in predefined portions of the protective roof with increasing distance from the opening 18. In the middle portion, near the opening 19, the dimensions of the protective roof can be substantially equal to those of the gondola 14, By means of the greater spacing between the protective walls 36, the gondola 14 can be moved between the protective walls and hence into their lee side, even when, for example, the gondola is horizontally displaced by cross winds. Owing to the shelter from the wind thus provided, the gondola 14 is no longer displaced and for this reason the spacing between the protective walls 36, 38 can t>6 made smaller. Elastic coatings 43 are provided on the protective walls 36, 38 in the entry area, said coatings being intended to dampen any collision of the gondola 14 with the protective walls 36, 38 in such a way at least that no significant damage occurs. Independently of these coalings 48 on the protective walls 36. 38, similar coatings can be provided on the gondola, for example in the form of fenders. WE CLAIM; 1. A wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines, characterised by a cable comiections (10) spanning at least two wind turbines (12) at a predetermined height, and a gondola (14) disposed on said cable connection. 2. The wind farm according to claim 1 wherein a cable connection (10) spanned as an endless cable loop is provided between deflection members (16) at the wind turbines (12) and by a rigid connection between the cable connection (10) and the gondola (14), 3. The wind farm according to claim 1, wherein a cable connection (10) comprising a main cable (20) and a traction cable (22) and a gondola (14) is provided, the gondola being moveably connected to the main cable (20) and fixedly connected to the traction cable (22). 4. The wind farm according to claim 3, wherein a traction cable (22) extending as an endless cable loop along the deflection members (16) is provided. 5. The wind farm according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein deflection members (16) having two independently rotatable deflection pulleys are provided. 6. The wind farm according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the traction cable (22) being driven by a motor. 7. The wind farm accord to claim 1, wherein a gondola (14) that moves along the cable connection (10) under its own power (14) is provided. 8. The wind farm according to claim 7, wherein at least one motorist drive for moving the gondola (14) along the cable connection (10) is provided, wherein the drive is preferably an electrical drive. 9. The wind farm according to claim 8, wherein the gondola drive receiving a drive power supply from a store of energy carried in the gondola (14). 10. The wind farm according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one manually operable drive is provided for moving the gondola (14) along the cable connection (10). 11. The wind farm according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a remotely controllable drive is provided for moving the gondola (14). 12. The wind farm according to claim 11, wherein use of at least one portion of the cable connection (10) as an electrical conductor. 13. The wind farm according to claim 12, wherein a cable which is integrated into the cable connection (10). 14. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a star- shaped arrangement of cable connections (10) are provided between a specified wind turbine (12) and the other wind turbines (12). 15. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a networked arrangement of cable connections (10) are provided between the wind turbines (12), wherein each wind turbine (12) forms a node in the network. J 16. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a single cable connection (10) is provided between the wind turbines (12) of the wind farm, said cable connection connecting at least one portion of the wind turbines (12) in a predeterminable sequence. 17. The wind farm according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a combination of at least two of the aforesaid systems of cable connections (10) are provided. 18. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a detachable locking device is provided between the gondola (14) and the tower of a wind turbine (12). 19. The wind farm according to claim 18, wherein a locking device configured as a holding magnet. 20. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding cable (24) extending parallel to the cable connection (10) at a predefined distance therefrom. 21. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable connection (10) extending at a predefined horizontal distance from the tower of the wind tower (12), and/or by a holding cable extending at a predefined horizontal distance from the tower (24). 22. The wind farm according to one of claims 20 or 21, wherein deflection members (16) are provided on the wind turbines (12) for accommodating the holding cable (24). 23. The wind farm according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cable connection (10) is configured as an endless cable loop, and that the holding cable (24) is part of said endless cable loop. 24. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gondola (14) with a flywheel mass (28) rotating about a vertical axis. 25. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a closeable opening (18) is located in the tower of a wind turbine (12) at the height at which the gondola (14) reaches the tower. 26. The wind farm according to claim 25, wherein a locking device is located at the height of the gondola near the opening (18). 27. The wind farm according to any one of the precedmg claims, wherein a cover (34) of substantially horizontal extension disposed above the opening (18) on the tower of at least one wind turbine (12). 28. The wind farm according to claim 27, wherein a first protective wall (36) disposed on the side of the cover (34) facing away from the tower, said protective wall extending substantially vertically and at a predefined distance parallel to the cable connection (10). 29. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second protective wall (38) disposed at the tower of the wind turbine (12) at the height of the opening (18) and extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10). 30. The wind farm according to claim 29, wherein a two-part second protective wall (38) extending a predefined length on both sides of the opening (18). 31. The wind farm according to one of claims 28 to 30, wherein a gap is present between the first protective wall (36) and the second protective wall (38), said gap increasing in size in a predefined portion at a distance fi-om the opening (18), 32. The wind farm according to one of claims 28 to 31, wherein an elastic coating (48) of predefined thickness on at least one of the protective walls (36, 38). 33. The wind fann according to one of claims 27 to 32, wherein at least one lighting installation is provided on the cover (34) and/or the protective walls (36, 38). 34. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one gangboard extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10), said gang board being reachable from the opening (18) and having at least one retention faciUty along its entire length. 35. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a single- or multi-part working platform on the outside of the tower of at least one wind turbine (12), wherein said platform can be reached from the opening (18). 36. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a crown safety platform or a working cage outside the tower of at least one wind turbine (12), wherein said platform or cage can be reached from the opening (18). 37. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first guide rail (40) disposed on the tower of the wind turbine (12) close to the opening (18) and extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10). 38. The wind farm according to claim 37, wherein a second guide rail (42) extending at a predefined distance substantially parallel to the first guide rail (40). 39. The wind farm according to one of claims 37 or 38, wherein a gap between the first guide rail (40) and the second guide rail (42), said gap increasing in size in a predefmed portion at a distance from the opening. 40. The wind farm according to one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the guide rails (40,42) support the protective walls (36). 41. The wind farm according to any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein the closeable opening (18) is larger than the gondola (14) and the cable connection (10) extends through the opening (18) into the inside of the tower of the wind turbine (12). 42. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one set of points at each tower along the cable connection (10). 43. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein load anchoring facilities and lashing means in the gondola (14). 44. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hoisting device located on or in the gondola (14) for handling the load being carried. 45. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hoisting and/or transportation apparatus at or in the tower of at least one wind turbine (12). 46. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gondola (14) with an enclosed gondola cabin. 47. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic coating at at least one location on the gondola (14) where the risk of collision with other wind farm facilities is greatest. 48. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a buoyant gondola (14) is provided. 49. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elf^tic coating serves simultaneously as a float. 50. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device comprising a central control unit, sensors and/or actuators is provided. 51. The wind farm according to claim 50, wherein the central control unit being disposed in one of the wind turbines (12) of the wind farm, 52. The wind farm according to one of claims 50 or 51, wherein at least one sensor that detects when the gondola (14) passes by. 53. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a GPS module disposed in the gondola. 54. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein electrical energy generated in the wind farm is used to power the electrical drives. 55. The wind farm according to claim 54, wherein the energy is selectively drawn at the generator, at an intermediate DC circuit or at some other suitable point. 56. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein energy is transported within the wind farm at least partially in a form other than electricity. 57. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein masts (11) disposed adjacently between the towers of the wind turbines (12) for supporting the cable connection (10). 58. A method for controlling the cable car system provided between at least two wind turbines of a wind farm, characterised by evaluation by the central control unit of the situation as detected by the sensors, and the triggering of appropriate control signals for the actuators. 59. The method according to claim 58, wherein the transmission to the centra! control unit of GPS data and/or data in other encoded form indicating the position of the gondola (14). 60. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wind turbine (12) having an accommodation area for accommodating at least one person. 61. The wind farm according to claim 60, wherein the accommodation area being equipped with a sanitary area and/or a kitchen area and/or a pantry area and/or a rest area. 62. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 or 61, wherein the accommodation area being integrated in the tower of a wind turbine (12). 63. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 62, wherein the accommodation area being arranged in a plurality of interconnected levels. 64. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 63, wherein a device for signalling predefmed data and/or a device for influencing predefined operating parameters within the accommodation area. 65. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 64, wherein a communications facility for exchanging information and/or data. 66. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 65, wherein a water treatment plant for supplying the personnel with drinking water and service water. 67. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 66, wherein energy storage means for storing energy to bridge gaps in power supply. 68. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 67, wherein devices for weather observation, and/or for detecting, analysing, recording and/or forwarding meteorological data. 69. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 68, wherem at least the wind turbine with the accommodation area has navigational aids for shipping and/or equipment for helping injured or shipwrecked persons. 70. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 69, wherein a viewing platform on the tower of the wind turbine in which the accommodation area is located, said viewing platform encircling the tower below the machine house either completely, or at least partially in a preferred direction. 71. The wind farm according to claim 70, wherein at least part of the viewing platform has windows to enable the surroundings of the wind turbine to be monitored. 72. The wind farm according to one of claims 70 or 71, wherein an elevator is provided between the accommodation area and the viewing platform. 73. A wind farm, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 74. A method for controlling the cable car system, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

Tied present invention relates to a wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines and in particular to an offshore wind farm.
The wind turbines in wind farms are spaced from one another at such distances that any collision of blades is securely avoided even when the wind turns direction, and the effects of one wind turbine on another as a result of changing air flow conditions are kept as small as possible. The distance between wind turbines is dependent on the radius of the circle swept by the rotor of a wind turbine and, with rotor diameters in excess of 100 m now possible at the current state of technological development, the distance between wind turbines will increase still further due to the even larger dimensions of new wind turbines.
Depending on location and size, each wind turbine requires maintenance and the elimination of any malfunctions that may arise. To do this, personnel and material must be transported to the wind turbine.
It is relatively easy to bring personnel and material to every wind turbine on land-based wind farms, whereas in the case of offshore wind farms this involves much greater effort and expense. The process can be simplified by bringing people and goods, such as tools, spare parts, etc. to one place only, rather than having to call at each separate wind turbine on a wind farm.

The problem voice then arises is that of distributing landed goods, or generally of transporting goods and/or people between the wind turbines of a wind farm, and particularly of an offshore wind farm-Based on the premise that a wind farm has a central landing place where all goods and persons arrive or depart, the latter must accordingly be transported between the separate wind turbines of the wind farm,
A characteristic of offshore wind farms is that the weather there is always rougher than on land. Winds can blow obstructed and quickly reach high speeds.
Furthermore, waves of greater or lesser height must be expected at all times. Therefore, transporting goods and ferrying people to the separate wind turbines is not only unpleasant in many cases, but may even involve a considerable degree of risk.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a wind farm in which transportation between the separate wind turbines can be carried out safely and securely.
This object is accomplished according to the invention by a cable connection between at least two of the wind turbines and by a gondola disposed on said cable connection. Transportation of people and goods between the wind turbines can be achieved with said gondola. Advantageous embodiments for other wind farm structures are described in the following.
The cable connection is preferably spanned at such a height that it neither impinges on the rotor diameter of the wind turbine nor touches the crests of waves, even when the waves are high.
A deflection member for the cable connection can be provided on each wind turbine, such that the cable connection is spanned as an endless cable loop between the deflection members and the gondola is fixedly connected to the cable

connection. By this means, the gondola can be driven in the desired direction by moving the cable connection, and the structure is kept very simple.
When there are tw/o wind turbines connected to each other, the cable connection travels around the deflection member at each wind turbine and back to the other wind turbine. When the cable connection connects at least three wind turbines with each, the deflection member on the middle wind turbine serves as a support, and the cable connection is guided onwards to the respective outer wind turbine.
The cable connection can be moved by means of a motor, and preferably by an electrically driven motor. This is particularly advantageous, because electrical energy is generated in the wind farm and is therefore readily available, thus obviating the need to transport other energy carriers, such as fuel. Electric motors can also be controlled in a simple manner.
The cable connection suitably comprises a main cable and a traction cable. Although the gondola is mounted on the main cable, it is able to travel in relation to said main cable. The traction cable is attached to the gondola. When the traction cable is pulled in the desired direction of travel, the gondola moves along the main cable in the desired direction. This traction on the traction cable can be provided by a motor. Electrical energy is advantageously used as the drive energy.
The deflection member preferably comprises two independently rotatable deflection pulleys, whereby the main cable is guided over one roller and the traction cable over the other roller. The traction cable can be configured as a circulating endless cable loop, whereas the main cable can be provided only once along the stretch travelled by the gondola. Due to the endless traction cable, it is sufficient to have a reversible drive for the traction cable in order to drive the gondola in the desired direction, and one can dispense with any reeling devices for the traction cable at the two ends thereof.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the gondola moves along the main cable under its own power. A motoric drive and preferably an electromotoric drive can be provided for this purpose, whereby the store of energy

for driving the motor is provided in an energy storage means in the gondola, for example in an accumulator.
A manual drive may be provided as an alternative to the motoric drive, or as a supplementary emergency drive so that the gondola can be moved in emergency operation even when there is a failure of the motor or the energy store.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive energy is supplied via the cable connection, the main cable, the traction cable and/or a separate conductor line when the gondola is driven electrically. By this means, control signals can also be transmitted to the gondola and/or a tower by remote control, for example to control the drive motor or a winch or the like.
In a preferred development of the invention, telematics data, for example, are transmitted via the electrical connection to a central wind turbine or to several wind turbines. Furthermore, it is possible via the cable connection to process the communications, with each other and with the gondola, of all the wind turbines in the wind farm between which the cable car is provided.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, these communications, that is to say, for example, the transmission of telematics data, control signals, etc. between separate wind turbines on the wind farm and/or the gondola, can be effected at least in part by wireless transmission.
The cable connection can be structured in different ways. A simple structure is based on the principle of a chain, in which all wind turbines are connected to each other by the cable connection "like beads on a chain". In this structure, the cable connection is a single continuous cable connection that connects at least some of the wind turbines in a predefinable series with each other.
However, the wind turbines may also be positioned in several rows, for example in three rows, and the cable connection follows, for exaniple, a path in the shape of the letter "S" between the wind turbines to connect the wind turbines with each other.

An alternative variont of the cable system is a star-shaped arrangement of the cable connection, starting from a central wind turbine representing, for example, a central landing place, so that all other wind turbines can be reached by the shortest possible path.
Another variant is a networked cable system that not only provides shortest possible connections from a central wind turbine to the other wind turbines, but also forms relatively short stretches between all the wind turbines.
In order to keep the horizontal displacement of the gondola on the cable connection low while the gondola is travelling between the wind turbines of a wind farm, or to prevent such displacement within certain limits, the wind farm according to the invention has, in a preferred development, a holding cable that is provided at a predefined vertical distance parallel to the cable connection. The distance is dimensioned in such a way that the gondola is guided between the cable connection and the holding cable. In this arrangement, the cable connection is preferably above the gondola, and the holding cable is below the gondola.
In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, one (upper) part of the endless cable loop in a cable connection configured as an endless loop can carry the gondola, while the other (lower) part of the endless cable loop performs the function of the holding cable.
In an alternative embodiment, a flywheel mass rotating about a vertical axis is used to stabilise the gondola. Said flywheel mass is driven by a motor and acts as a gyroscope to counter any horizontal displacement of the gondola.
Preferably, each wind turbine of the wind farm has a closeable door in its tower. Said door is generally located at the height at which the gondola reaches the wind turbine. This enables loading activities to be performed without having to overcome a difference in height.

In another preferred development, the wind turbines and the gondola have a lacking device that permits the loading and unloading position of the gondola tc be prescribed, such that swinging movements of the gondola relative to the tower of the wind turbine are prevented vi/hen the gondola is in said position. The locking device is preferably configured in such a way that one part of the locking device is provided close to the door on the tower of the v/ind turbine, and the other part at a suitable position on the gondola. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the locking device is a two-point locking device, in order to avoid the formation of a pivotal point that occurs when locking operates at one point only.
Preferably, said locking device can function eleclromagnetically and be switched on and off by operating a switch inside the tower and/or from the gondola. This enables convenient and secure handling without the risk of injury as a result of a swinging gondola that may, for example, collide with the tower due to wind action.
in one preferred development of the invention, the locking device can be remotely controlled, and it is particularly preferred for it to be remotely controllable from the gondola so that manual operation can be avoided. By this means, the latent risk of injury when operating the locking device is further reduced.
A particuiarfy preferred embodiment is one in which a cover of substantially horizontal extension is mounted above the opening on at least one wind turbine, said cover bearing a protective wall extending substantially vertically and at a predefined distance parallel to the cable connection. By means of the cover and the protective wall, which enclose a predefined angle, a protective roof is formed that protects the gondola when in the area of the opening as well as the opening itself against weather. The gondola and the opening are protected by the tower itself, on the one hand, and by the protective roof, on the other, such that the gondola is shielded against the wind and is not pushed against the tower.
If the protective roof is made long enough, displacement of the gondola and hence a potential collision with the tower can be avoided even when the wind or wind vectors are transverse to the direction in which the gondola is travelling.

The horizontal spacing between the outer ends of the first protective wall and the tower is preferably greater than the horizontal spacinc; to the central portion of the protective wall. In this way, collisions between the gondola and the protective wall are prevented even v/hen the gondola is horizontally displaced towards the protective wall, for example by cross winds.
in one preferred development of the invention, additional protective walls can be attached to the tower on both sides of the opening paraile! to the first protective wall and at the same height, said additional walls extending the area in (ee of the tower such that a wind vector transverse to the direction in which the gondola is travelling does not push the latter against the outer protective wall. The honzontal distance between the protective walls at the tower can be substantially equal to the width of the gondola and enlarge towards the lateral ends of the protective walls, such that a horizontal displacement of the gondola in the entry area between the protective walls does not lead to collisions between the gondola and one of the protective walls.
The gondola itself can preferably be fitted with elastic coating at each of the corners on the lower portion of the gondola cabin, and hence at those points that will be affected first in the event that a collision with other facilities of the wind farm occurs as a result of the gondola being horizontally displaced. On the one hand, said coatings dampen any collision that might occur, thus preventing damage occurring to the gondola and other facilities of the wind farm, and on the other hand they serve as buoyancy aids to keep the gondola buoyant in the event of an accident.
At the same time as, or in place of the elastic coating on the gondola, such a coating may also be provided on the protective walls, especially in the entry area and at a height at which a horizontally displaced gondola first collides with the protective wall,
A particularly prefen-ed embodiment is one in which a first gangboard is provided at the second protective wall, said gangboard having a retention facility, such as a railing, all around it. In one advantageous development of the invention, the

gangboard extends over the entire length of the protective wall and is attached in such a way that it can be reached from the opening.
By this means, the outer side of the gondola can be reached in order to perform repair work and/or maintenance and cleaning work, for example. If the second protective wall is present, the gangboard can be delineated on one side by said protective wall, and a retention facility can be dispensed with there.
It is particularly preferred to provide a second gangboard parallel to the first on the first protective wall. Said second gangboard, too, has a retention facility on the sides which are not adjacent to the first protective wall.
As a further preferred embodiment, a transverse gangboard can be provided at at least one outer end of the first and second gangboards, wherein said transverse gangboard bridges the gap between the substantially parallel first and second gangboards.
To enable unobstructed entry and exit of the gondola, the transverse gangboard can be pivotably coupled at one of its ends and pivoted upwards about its pivot axis in order to clear the way for the gondola to pass through. In one advantageous development of the invention, such transverse pivotable gangboards are coupled at both ends of the first or the second gangboard, thus enabling all sides of the gondola to be reached from the outside.
The gap between one transverse gangboard and the other is preferably selected so that it is substantially equal to the relevant dimensions of the gondola. In one particularly preferred development of the invention, at least one of the transverse gangboards is slideable along its pivotal axis, such that the distance between the transverse gangboards can be altered and hence adjusted to the respective requirements.
On at least one wind turbine tower, a hoisting apparatus can be provided, preferably under the protective roof, said hoisting device enabling the handling of heavy freight, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the handling of the gondola

and gondola parts, for example for repairs. By means of such a hoisting apparatus, provided it is designed for an appropriate load, the entire gondola can be hoisted so that the underside of the gondola can be reached from the gangboard for repair, maintenance and cleaning purposes.
In one aiternative embodiment of the invention, a suitably mounted single- or multi¬part working platform can be provided in place of gangboards in order to reach the outer sides of the gondola. To this end, the area of the working platform can have a minimum size that enables all sides of the gondola to be accessed from the outside.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, a working cage or a crown safety platform can be provided, wherein said cage or platfoim can be moved and/or pivoted such that the outer sides of the gondola can be reached. The crown safety platform, like the working platform, is enclosed on all sides by a retention facility in order to prevent any unintentional fall from the platform or cage on the part of personnel working thereon.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the door is larger than the cross section of the gondola, and the cable system extends into the tower of the wind turbine. This is achieved by having at least one set of points at each tower along the cable connection. In this way, the gondola can travel through the opened door in the tower and be loaded and/or unloaded therein regardless of weather conditions.
A closed gondola provides for transportation of people and goods in such a manner that they are substantially protected against the weather. In one particularly preferred development of the invention, the gondola is configured so that it has a closeable exit opening through which the guide with which the gondola is suspended from the cable connection and guided can be reached.
In order to avoid the loss of the gondola in the event of it falling from the cable, the gondola is preferably designed to be buoyant, and can dispose of signalling means such as signal guns, flares or the like, as well as buoyancy aids such as automatic

seir-inriaiing iioat nngs. These buoyancy aids increase the buoyancy of the gondola so that it remains buoyant even wlien loaded. In one preferred development of the invention, the gondola has righting aids that at least make it more difficult for the gondola to overturn, or indeed prevent it from doing so.
in order to effect monitoring of operation, or at least semi-automatic control of the cable car system, a central control device as vjell as a plurality of sensors and/or actuators are provided. The sensors and/or actuators can be connected to the central control device via an interface.
By means of sensors connected thereto, the central control device can thus identify, on the one hand, certain operating parameters and states, for instance the position of the gondola, its operating speed, the horizontal displacement, the weight of the gondola, the rotational speed of a flywheel mass, the amount of energy stored, motor operational data, the openings in the towers (closed, open, ...), etc. Of course, telematics data can also be captured by sensors in the machine house of a wind turbine and subsequently processed.
By means of the actuators provided, the central control unit is able to Influence operating parameters and states. This can involve, for example, controlling the locking device between the gondola and the tower, depending on the position of the gondola relative to the tower, or controlling the lighting under the protective roof, or controlling position lights (insofar as any are provided on the towers and/or other parts of the wind farm) depending on brightness, or automatically releasing or operating doors, or influencing the speed of the gondola, including bringing it to a stop.
In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the control system can be decentralised. To this end, separate control systems can be provided in at (east two of the wind turbines on a wind farm, said systems communicating with each other and with the gondola. In this way, operating parameters and states can similarly be identified and analysed. Each control system can be connected with a predefinable portion of the sensors and/or actuators. One advantage of this

decentralised solution is the redundancy thus provided, such that in the event of a control unit failure, neighbouring c-ntrol units can take over its functions.
In one particularly advantageous development of the invention, support masts are provided between wind turbines on a wind farm in order to support the cable connection and in this way prevent excessive sag of the cable connection between the towers, as well as the loads that can ensue as a result of large spans between the towers of the wind turbines on a wind farnn.
The wind farm according to the invention is preferably equipped with at least one accommodation area for accommodating at least one person. The space within said accommodation area is preferably organised into different functional areas, such as a sanitation area and/or a kitchen area and/or a pantry area and/or a rest area, and it is particularly preferable that it be integrated into the tower of a wind turbine.
In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the accommodation area is located separately from the wind turbines but within the wind farm. This location can be a separate piatform, for example, or can preferably be on a platform mounted on a tower of a wind turbine.
Said platform can serve additional functions, such as those of a helicopter pad and/or a ship's berth.
Due to the limited area inside the tower, the accommodation area in a prefen-ed development of the Invention is distributed among several interconnected levels inside the tower. Within the accommodation area, equipment for communicating and signalling predefined data are provided. Said signalling may include acoustic and optical signalling, or an appropriate way of recording the data.
Communication includes voice and/or data communication on wire or wireless communication links, on the one hand with remote stations outside the wind farm, such as remote operations or maintenance centres, and on the other hand with

remote stauons inside the wind farm, such as other wind turbines or the gondola of the cabh car system.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, communication also includes influencing predefined operating parameters of the wind farm facilities, as well as surveillance and control of wind farm operation. By this means, a continuously manned monitoring station can be created on the wind farm according to the invention, which monitoring station can respond immediately in the event of faults or failures occurring, and can take or initiate appropriate counter-measures.
In one particularly preferred development of the invention, a water treatment plant for supplying the personnel with drinking water and sen/ice water is provided, said plant being operated with electrical energy generated on the wind farm. To bridge gaps in supply due, for example, to windless conditions, a suitably dimensioned energy storage means is provided to ensure that emergency operations at least are maintained in order to continue supplying the accommodation area with energy and water.
The energy storage means used for this purpose can be storage means for electrical power, such as capacitors, chemical means of energy storage, such as accumulators, or storage means for hydrogen which are charged with hydrogen obtained from seawater by electrolysis, and from which electrical energy can be obtained in a fuel cell.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least the wind turbine equipped with the accommodation area includes equipment for weather observation, and/or for detecting, analysing, recording and/or fonwarding meteorological data. Furthermore, the wind turbine or additional (all) wind turbines in the wind farm can perform functions as navigational aids for shipping, for example in the form of a sea marker or as a station for providing (first) aid to persons involved in accidents, or to shipwrecked persons.
In one development of the invention, at least one wind turbine equipped with an accommodation area has a viewing platform provided on the tower of the wind

turbine below the machine house. Said viewing platform can encircle the tower of the wind turbine either completely, or at least partially in a preferred, direction, and be fitted with windows that enable the surrounding area to be monitored. Said viewing platform can also be equipped with devices for signaling data, for influencing predefined operating parameters and/or for communication. The wind turbine with the viewing platform is positioned within the wind farm in such a way that a maximum number (all) of the wind turbines in the wind farm can be seen from that position.
The viewing platform can be provided in close physical proximity to the accommodation area, or form an integral part thereof Alternatively, the viewing platform and the accommodation area can be spatially separated, with the accommodation area located below the viewing platform near the base of the tower in order to permit more generous dimensions of the rooms, whereas the viewing platform is located immediately below the machine house to enable good observation of the surroundings.
If the distance between the viewing platform and the accommodation area is large, an elevator can be provided inside the tower to save time when making several trips a day between the viewing platform and the accommodation area, on the one hand, and to limit the physical burden on the personnel, on the other hand. The elevator can be equipped with an emergency telephone facility so that help can be called in the event of the elevator breaking down.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines, characterised by a cable connection spanning at least two wind turbines at a predetermined height, and a gondola disposed on said cable connection.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for controlling the cable car system provided between at least two wind turbines of a wind farm, characterised by evaluation by the central control unit of the situation as detected by the sensors, and the triggering of appropriate control signals for the actuators.
Preferred developments of the invention are described in the subclaims. One embodiment shall now be described in detail with reference to the figures. These
show:
Fig. 1 a first variant of the cabJe system on a wind farm; Fig. 2 a second variant of the cable system on a wind farm; Fig. 3 a third variant of the cable system on a wind farm;

Fig. 4 the path of the cable connection between two wind turbines;
Fig. 5 an alternative cable arrangement;
Fig. 6 suspension and drive of the gondola by means of a main cable and a
traction cable;
Fig, 7 a plan view of a wind turbine with a protective roof; and
Fig. 8 a side elevation view of the tower with the protective roof.
Figure 1 shows a wind farm comprising nine wind turbines 12. Said wind turbines 12 are arranged in three rows, each comprising three wind turbines 12 and connected with each other by a cable connection 10 in such a way that the gondola 14 can reach the separate wind turbines 12 separately and consecutively. Thus, when travelling from one end of the cable connection 10 to the other end of the cable connection 10, the gondola 14 always passes all the wind turbines 12 on the wind farm.
The cable connection 10 can be an endless cable loop on which the gondola 14 is fixedly disposed. Therefore, when the cable moves, the gondola 14 is inevitably moved as well.
If the endless cable loop lies in a substanfelly horizontal plane, the cable can be driven in a constant direction at ail times, in the simplest case, and the gondola 14 moves in the opposite direction after passing the deflection point, thereby being shifted by the horizontal dimension of the endless cable loop.
However, since this also applies when travelling from one wind turbine 12 to an adjacent wind turbine 12 in the opposite direction, it may be necessary to pass all the other wind turbines of the wind farm such that the gondola must travel almost twice the length of the cable connection 10.

For example, if tiie gondola 14 is located at the wind turbine marked A and must now travel to 'he wind turbine marked B, it must first travel, in the case of a unidirectional cable dhve, to the wind turbine marked C and from there back to the destination wind turbine marked B, In doing so, it travels the entire length of the cable connection almost twice.
If it is possible to dhve the cable connection in two directions, all that is needed for the trip from A to B is a reversal of the direction of travel and a short trip between two wind turbines.
If the cable connection 10 is an endless cable connection in a substantially vertical plane, a means for driving the cable connection 10 in two directions is absolutely essential, since otherwise the gondola fixedly attached to the cable connection 10 would get into a hazardous situation at the latest on reaching the reversal point on the endless cable loop.
For this reason, sensors 44 are provided on the wind turbines marked B and C in the figure, wherein said sensors identify when their position is reached by the gondola 14, and thus initiate a stop or redirection procedure. For the sake of simplicity, these sensors are shown as switches. Other types of sensor, such as Hall sensors, optical sensors, etc., are also suitable, of course, for determining whether the gondola 14 has reached this position. Of course, the position of the sensors is chosen so that there is still sufficient stopping distance even when the gondola 14 is loaded.
Figure 2 similarly shows a wind farm comprising nine wind turbines 12 arranged in three rows each with three wind turbines 12. In this arrangement, there is a central wind turbine 12 that can have special docking and storage facilities, for example. Radiating from this central wind turbine 12, there is a star-shaped arrangement of cable connections 10 connecting to all the other wind turbines 12 of the wind farm. This results in the shortest possible paths for the gondola 14 (not shown in this figure) to reach the other wind turbines 12 - each measured from the central wind turbine 12.

However, a tiip from one of the non-central wind turbines 12 to another non-centrai wind turbine 12 always leads firstly to the central wind turbine 12 and onwards frcm there to the destination wind turbine 12.
Also shown in this figure is a support mast 11 at a cable connection 10. Said support mast 11 supports the cable connection 10, thus preventing excessive sag of the cable connection 10 in the case of large spans between two wind turbines 12.
This sag results from the cable connection's own weight. Depending on the properties of the cable connection 10. there is a maximum distance between two support points for the cable connection 10, which if exceeded may result in the cable connection 10 severing under its own weight. However, even with a lower spacing between the support points, the sag in the cable connection 10 may already be too great, causing the gondola 14 to come too dose to the water surface.
This could be counteracted, theoretically, by having a higher tension In the cable connection 10. However, if a higher tension in the cable connection arises due to the effect of cold temperatures, the tensile strength may be exceeded and the cable connection 10 will sever. In other words, depending on the material used, a certain amount of sag in the cable connection 10 is unavoidable. By using support masts 11, these problems can be solved.
Figure 3 shows the same arrangement of wind turbines 12 as in Figures 1 and 2. The difference again consists in the structure of the cable connection 10 between the wind turbines 12. In Figure 3, the structure is like that of a network, such that each wind turbine 12 forms a node in the network. By means of this cabte structure, even shorter distances ensue for particular stretches over which the gondola 14 (not shown in the figure) can reach particular wind turbines 12.
In this figure, too, a support mast 11 is provided for a large span between two wind turbines 12 in order to limit the sag and the tension in the cable connection 10. Of course, support masts 11 can be used in any segment of the cable connection 10

between two wind turbines 12, in order to gain additional support points for the cable connection 10,
Figure 4 shows two wind turbines 12 that are connected with each other by a cable connection 10. The upper portions of the towers have been left out in the figure, although the lower edge of the area swept by the rotors is shown by a broken line 30. Each of the lowers has an opening 18 that can be closed with a door, and from each opening a ladder 32 is provided that leads to the base of the tower. The opening 18 in the tower is provided at the height at which the gondola 14 reaches the tower.
Above the opening 18 on each tower, a deflection member 16 is provided through which the cable connection 10 is guided. The gondola 14 is located on said cable connection 10. Depending on the embodiment of the cable connection 10. the gondola 14 is carried and/or driven by the cable connection, or the gondola 14 moves under its own power along the cable connection 10,
In the example shown, a dhve motor 15 is located on the tower of a wind turbine above the deflection pulley 16, said dnve motor being able to dhve the cable connection 10 in appropriate manner in the case of a gondola 14 that is not self-propelled.
In the lower part of the gondola 14 there is an additional compartment 26 that is separated from the gondola cabin by the floor of the latter. Inside said compartment 26 there is a flywheel mass 28 which by means of a drive motor is Kept at a high speed of rotation about its rotational axis, shown as a broken line. As a result of this rotation, the flywheel mass 28 acts as a gyroscope and stabilises the gondola 14 in its position by counteracting any horizontal displacement on the pari of the gondola 14, By this means, the gondola 14 is stabilised while travelling and displaced to only a limited extent, even when cross winds occur.
The drawing in Figure 5 similarly shows two towers of wind turbines 12, the upper portions of which have been omitted from the figure. However, the lower portion of

the area swept by the rotor: is again shown. In the towers, the closeable openings 18 are shown at the height at which the gondola reaches the wind turbine 12,
Above the opening 18 there are deflection members 16 through which the cable connection 10 is guided, The gondola 14 is disposed on said cable connection 10 and can be made to travel between the wind turbines.
Deflection members 16 are also provided below the openings 18. By means of these additional deflection members 16, a further cable connection in the form of a holding cable 24 is guided. Said holding cable 24 runs at a predefined vertical distance 25 parallel to the cable connection 10 and guides the gondola 14. By this means, the horizontal excursion of the gondola 14 is limited, because it is guided both above and below by cables 10,24,
The potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 varies according to the distance to the next wind turbine 12. When the distance between gondola 14 and wind turbine 12 decreases, the stabilising effect of deflection members 16 increases, and the potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is accordingly lower, whereas when the distance between the gondola 14 and a wind turbine 12 increases, the amount of sag In the cable connection 10 and the holding cable 24 increases. In the middle of the stretch between two wind turbines 12, the sag is at its greatest, and hence the potential horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is at its maximum.
Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the portions enclosed by a broken circular line in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The cable connection 10 is fonned by two cables 20, 22. The upper cable 20 is provided as a main cable and carries the gondola 14 which is moveably disposed thereon with two guide sheaves 46. The lower cable 22 is a fraction cable and is fixedly attached to the gondola 14. By operating said traction cable 22, the gondola 14 can be moved in a suspended position along the main cable.

Figures 7 and 8 show a wind turbine 12 (Figure 7) and a portion of the tower of the wind turbine 12 (Figures) with a cover 34 of substantially horizontal extension disposed thereon. Figure 7 is a plan view and Figure 8 a side elevation view.
The cable connection 10 runs below said cover 34; the means by which it is suspended is not shown here for the sake of a belter overview. Protective wails 36 are disposed on each of the two sides of the cover 34 that run parallel to the cable connection 10.
In combination with the cover 34, these protective walls 36 form a protective roof that protects the gondola 14 and the opening 18 in the tower of the wind turbine 12 against the weather. Said protective roof extends on both sides of the opening 18, parallel to the cable connection 10.
Due to the fact that, while the gondola is travelling between two wind turbines 12, horizontal displacement of the gondola 14 is possible at all times, albeit limited in respect of amount and direction, the outer ends of the protective roof are widened. The spacing between the protective walls 36 increases in predefined portions of the protective roof with increasing distance from the opening 18. In the middle portion, near the opening 19, the dimensions of the protective roof can be substantially equal to those of the gondola 14,
By means of the greater spacing between the protective walls 36, the gondola 14 can be moved between the protective walls and hence into their lee side, even when, for example, the gondola is horizontally displaced by cross winds. Owing to the shelter from the wind thus provided, the gondola 14 is no longer displaced and for this reason the spacing between the protective walls 36, 38 can t>6 made smaller.
Elastic coatings 43 are provided on the protective walls 36, 38 in the entry area, said coatings being intended to dampen any collision of the gondola 14 with the protective walls 36, 38 in such a way at least that no significant damage occurs. Independently of these coalings 48 on the protective walls 36. 38, similar coatings can be provided on the gondola, for example in the form of fenders.

WE CLAIM;
1. A wind farm comprising at least two wind turbines, characterised by a cable
comiections (10) spanning at least two wind turbines (12) at a predetermined height,
and a gondola (14) disposed on said cable connection.
2. The wind farm according to claim 1 wherein a cable connection (10) spanned as
an endless cable loop is provided between deflection members (16) at the wind
turbines (12) and by a rigid connection between the cable connection (10) and the
gondola (14),
3. The wind farm according to claim 1, wherein a cable connection (10) comprising a main cable (20) and a traction cable (22) and a gondola (14) is provided, the gondola being moveably connected to the main cable (20) and fixedly connected to the traction cable (22).
4. The wind farm according to claim 3, wherein a traction cable (22) extending as an endless cable loop along the deflection members (16) is provided.
5. The wind farm according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein deflection members (16) having two independently rotatable deflection pulleys are provided.
6. The wind farm according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the traction cable (22) being driven by a motor.
7. The wind farm accord to claim 1, wherein a gondola (14) that moves along the cable connection (10) under its own power (14) is provided.

8. The wind farm according to claim 7, wherein at least one motorist drive for moving the gondola (14) along the cable connection (10) is provided, wherein the drive is preferably an electrical drive.
9. The wind farm according to claim 8, wherein the gondola drive receiving a drive power supply from a store of energy carried in the gondola (14).
10. The wind farm according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one
manually operable drive is provided for moving the gondola (14) along the cable
connection (10).
11. The wind farm according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a remotely controllable drive is provided for moving the gondola (14).
12. The wind farm according to claim 11, wherein use of at least one portion of the cable connection (10) as an electrical conductor.
13. The wind farm according to claim 12, wherein a cable which is integrated into the cable connection (10).
14. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a star- shaped arrangement of cable connections (10) are provided between a specified wind turbine (12) and the other wind turbines (12).
15. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a networked
arrangement of cable connections (10) are provided between the wind turbines (12),
wherein each wind turbine (12) forms a node in the network.

J
16. The wind farm according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a single cable
connection (10) is provided between the wind turbines (12) of the wind farm, said cable connection connecting at least one portion of the wind turbines (12) in a predeterminable sequence.
17. The wind farm according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a combination of at least two of the aforesaid systems of cable connections (10) are provided.
18. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a detachable locking device is provided between the gondola (14) and the tower of a wind turbine (12).
19. The wind farm according to claim 18, wherein a locking device configured as a holding magnet.
20. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding cable (24) extending parallel to the cable connection (10) at a predefined distance therefrom.
21. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable connection (10) extending at a predefined horizontal distance from the tower of the wind tower (12), and/or by a holding cable extending at a predefined horizontal distance from the tower (24).
22. The wind farm according to one of claims 20 or 21, wherein deflection members (16) are provided on the wind turbines (12) for accommodating the holding cable (24).

23. The wind farm according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cable connection (10) is configured as an endless cable loop, and that the holding cable (24) is part of said endless cable loop.
24. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gondola (14) with a flywheel mass (28) rotating about a vertical axis.
25. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a closeable opening (18) is located in the tower of a wind turbine (12) at the height at which the gondola (14) reaches the tower.
26. The wind farm according to claim 25, wherein a locking device is located at the height of the gondola near the opening (18).
27. The wind farm according to any one of the precedmg claims, wherein a cover (34) of substantially horizontal extension disposed above the opening (18) on the tower of at least one wind turbine (12).
28. The wind farm according to claim 27, wherein a first protective wall (36) disposed on the side of the cover (34) facing away from the tower, said protective wall extending substantially vertically and at a predefined distance parallel to the cable connection (10).
29. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one
second protective wall (38) disposed at the tower of the wind turbine (12) at the height
of the opening (18) and extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10).

30. The wind farm according to claim 29, wherein a two-part second protective wall (38) extending a predefined length on both sides of the opening (18).
31. The wind farm according to one of claims 28 to 30, wherein a gap is present between the first protective wall (36) and the second protective wall (38), said gap increasing in size in a predefined portion at a distance fi-om the opening (18),
32. The wind farm according to one of claims 28 to 31, wherein an elastic coating (48) of predefined thickness on at least one of the protective walls (36, 38).
33. The wind fann according to one of claims 27 to 32, wherein at least one lighting installation is provided on the cover (34) and/or the protective walls (36, 38).
34. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one gangboard extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10), said gang board being reachable from the opening (18) and having at least one retention faciUty along its entire length.
35. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a single- or multi-part working platform on the outside of the tower of at least one wind turbine (12), wherein said platform can be reached from the opening (18).
36. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a crown safety platform or a working cage outside the tower of at least one wind turbine (12), wherein said platform or cage can be reached from the opening (18).

37. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first guide rail (40) disposed on the tower of the wind turbine (12) close to the opening (18) and extending substantially parallel to the cable connection (10).
38. The wind farm according to claim 37, wherein a second guide rail (42) extending at a predefined distance substantially parallel to the first guide rail (40).
39. The wind farm according to one of claims 37 or 38, wherein a gap between the first guide rail (40) and the second guide rail (42), said gap increasing in size in a predefmed portion at a distance from the opening.
40. The wind farm according to one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the guide rails (40,42) support the protective walls (36).
41. The wind farm according to any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein the closeable opening (18) is larger than the gondola (14) and the cable connection (10) extends through the opening (18) into the inside of the tower of the wind turbine (12).
42. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one set of points at each tower along the cable connection (10).
43. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein load anchoring facilities and lashing means in the gondola (14).
44. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hoisting device located on or in the gondola (14) for handling the load being carried.

45. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hoisting and/or transportation apparatus at or in the tower of at least one wind turbine (12).
46. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gondola (14) with an enclosed gondola cabin.
47. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic coating at at least one location on the gondola (14) where the risk of collision with other wind farm facilities is greatest.
48. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a buoyant gondola (14) is provided.
49. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elf^tic coating serves simultaneously as a float.
50. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device comprising a central control unit, sensors and/or actuators is provided.
51. The wind farm according to claim 50, wherein the central control unit being disposed in one of the wind turbines (12) of the wind farm,
52. The wind farm according to one of claims 50 or 51, wherein at least one sensor that detects when the gondola (14) passes by.
53. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a GPS module disposed in the gondola.
54. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein electrical energy generated in the wind farm is used to power the electrical drives.

55. The wind farm according to claim 54, wherein the energy is selectively drawn at the generator, at an intermediate DC circuit or at some other suitable point.
56. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein energy is transported within the wind farm at least partially in a form other than electricity.
57. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein masts (11) disposed adjacently between the towers of the wind turbines (12) for supporting the cable connection (10).
58. A method for controlling the cable car system provided between at least two wind turbines of a wind farm, characterised by evaluation by the central control unit of the situation as detected by the sensors, and the triggering of appropriate control signals for the actuators.
59. The method according to claim 58, wherein the transmission to the centra! control unit of GPS data and/or data in other encoded form indicating the position of the gondola (14).
60. The wind farm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wind turbine (12) having an accommodation area for accommodating at least one person.
61. The wind farm according to claim 60, wherein the accommodation area being equipped with a sanitary area and/or a kitchen area and/or a pantry area and/or a rest area.
62. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 or 61, wherein the accommodation area being integrated in the tower of a wind turbine (12).

63. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 62, wherein the accommodation area being arranged in a plurality of interconnected levels.
64. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 63, wherein a device for signalling predefmed data and/or a device for influencing predefined operating parameters within the accommodation area.
65. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 64, wherein a communications facility for exchanging information and/or data.
66. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 65, wherein a water treatment plant for supplying the personnel with drinking water and service water.
67. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 66, wherein energy storage means for storing energy to bridge gaps in power supply.
68. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 67, wherein devices for weather observation, and/or for detecting, analysing, recording and/or forwarding meteorological data.
69. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 68, wherem at least the wind turbine with the accommodation area has navigational aids for shipping and/or equipment for helping injured or shipwrecked persons.
70. The wind farm according to one of claims 60 to 69, wherein a viewing platform on the tower of the wind turbine in which the accommodation area is located, said viewing platform encircling the tower below the machine house either completely, or at least partially in a preferred direction.

71. The wind farm according to claim 70, wherein at least part of the viewing platform
has windows to enable the surroundings of the wind turbine to be monitored.
72. The wind farm according to one of claims 70 or 71, wherein an elevator is provided between the accommodation area and the viewing platform.
73. A wind farm, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
74. A method for controlling the cable car system, substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

0546-chenp-2003 abstract-duplicate.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 abstract.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 claims-duplicate.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 claims.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 correspondence-others.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 correspondence-po.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 description (complete)-duplicate.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 description (complete).pdf

0546-chenp-2003 drawings-duplicate.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 drawings.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 form-1.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 form-19.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 form-26.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 form-3.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 form-5.pdf

0546-chenp-2003 pct.pdf

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

201554

Indian Patent Application Number

546/CHENP/2003

PG Journal Number

08/2007

Publication Date

23-Feb-2007

Grant Date

27-Jul-2006

Date of Filing

16-Apr-2003

Name of Patentee

ALOYS WOBBEN

Applicant Address

Argestrasse 19 26607 Aurich

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	ALOYS WOBBEN	Argestrasse 19 26607 Aurich

PCT International Classification Number

B61B7/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2001/010391

PCT International Filing date

2001-09-08

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	100 51 513.4	2000-10-17	Germany