Cranes in Wind Power Installation: Selecting Wisely, Operating by Rules

        Amid the global energy transition, wind power—a clean and renewable energy source—has rapidly risen to prominence. From reducing carbon emissions to address climate change to decreasing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, the development of wind power is crucial for sustainability in the energy sector. In recent years, global wind power capacity has continued to climb, with an increasing number of countries incorporating wind energy into their long-term energy strategies and ramping up investments and construction efforts. According to relevant data, over the past decade, global wind power capacity has grown at an annual rate of more than 10%, while China's wind power capacity has consistently ranked first worldwide for 15 consecutive years, ushering in a new era of annual additions exceeding 100 million kilowatts.

        As the core equipment of wind power projects, wind turbines impose extremely high demands on lifting machinery due to the complexity and specialization of their installation processes. Cranes, as critical equipment for turbine installation, are responsible for precisely hoisting large components such as towers, nacelles, and blades todesignated positions. These components are not only massive in size but also substantial in weight. For instance, a 5-megawatt wind turbine may have a tower height exceeding 100 meters, with individual sections weighing over 100 tons. The nacelle can weigh dozens of tons, while blades can span 70 to 80 meters in length and weigh         10 tons or more. To handle such massive components, cranes must possess robust lifting capacity, precise positioning capabilities, and stable operational performance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the installation process.

（1） The key influence of fan parameters on selection

        The parameters of each part of the fan have a direct and critical impact on the selection of the crane, and are the primary factor to consider in the selection process. The weight of the fan is distributed on various components such as the tower, engine room, and blades, and the weight of each component is an important basis for determining the lifting capacity of the crane. For example, a 3-megawatt wind turbine may have a single tower section weight of around 80-100 tons, a nacelle weight of approximately 50-70 tons, and a blade weight of approximately 15-20 tons per blade. The lifting capacity of the crane must be able to cover the maximum weight of these components, and a certain safety margin must be considered to cope with possible uncertainties such as dynamic loads and wind loads. Usually, the safety factor is set between 1.1-1.3, which means that the rated lifting capacity of the crane needs to be 10% -30% higher than the weight of the heaviest component of the wind turbine to ensure safe lifting under various working conditions.

        The height of the fan directly determines the lifting height requirements of the crane. With the development of wind power technology, the height of wind turbines continues to increase, and now wind turbines with a height of 120 meters or even 150 meters or more are more common. The lifting height of the crane should not only reach the top height of the fan, but also reserve sufficient space for installation operations and the travel of the hook. For example, when installing a 150 meter high wind turbine, the lifting height of the crane may need to reach 160-170 meters to meet actual operational requirements. If the lifting height is insufficient, it will be impossible to lift the engine room, blades and other components to the designated position, resulting in the inability to carry out installation work.

The blade length is also one of the important parameters affecting the selection of cranes, which is closely related to the working radius of the crane. The blade length is relatively long, requiring a larger working space during lifting, which requires the crane to have a corresponding working radius to ensure that the blade does not collide with surrounding obstacles during lifting, rotation, and installation. For example, when the blade length reaches 80 meters, considering the swing and installation angle of the blade, the working radius of the crane may need to reach 50-60 meters in order to safely and smoothly complete the blade lifting operation.

（2） Adaptation scenarios for different types of cranes

        In wind power projects, crawler cranes and truck cranes are common types, each with their own advantages in different terrains and construction conditions.

Crawler cranes are known for their excellent stability and powerful off-road capabilities, especially suitable for wind power projects in complex terrains such as mountains. In mountainous environments, the ground is often rough and uneven, and the load-bearing capacity is also uneven. However, crawler cranes can effectively disperse their own weight and reduce the pressure on the ground through the large contact between the tracks and the ground, thus ensuring stable driving and operation on soft and uneven ground. Its powerful lifting capability can also meet the lifting needs of large wind turbine components, and can lift wind turbine components to designated positions under complex terrain conditions. For example, in mountainous wind power projects, crawler cranes can slowly travel along winding mountain roads to the foundation of the wind turbine, without the need for large-scale leveling and reinforcement of the site, and can complete the lifting of components such as towers and engine rooms, greatly improving the feasibility and efficiency of construction.

        Automobile cranes have the characteristics of strong maneuverability and fast transfer speed, and perform well in wind power projects in plain areas. The plain area has flat terrain and good road conditions, and the truck crane can quickly travel by road to various lifting sites, reducing the time and cost of equipment transfer. Moreover, in open construction sites with good ground conditions, truck cranes can quickly carry out operations and use their flexible lifting arms to hoist wind turbine components. For example, in a wind farm in a plain area, a truck crane can be quickly transferred from one location to another, efficiently completing the installation of multiple wind turbines and improving construction progress.

        In actual projects, other types of cranes such as all terrain cranes may also be selected based on specific circumstances. The all ground crane combines the maneuverability of a truck crane with some performance advantages of a crawler crane, and has also been applied in some wind power projects that require high maneuverability and lifting capacity. For example, in some wind power projects with relatively complex site conditions but requiring rapid transition, all ground cranes can flexibly switch between different lifting points with their good off-road performance and fast driving ability, while also meeting the lifting needs of wind turbine components.

（3） Other factors affecting selection

        The site conditions have a significant impact on the selection of cranes. The flatness and bearing capacity of the site are two key indicators. If the ground leveling is poor, the crane may tilt during operation, leading to safety accidents. For crawler cranes, although their requirements for ground smoothness are relatively low, excessively rough ground may still affect their driving and operational stability; However, automobile cranes require high ground flatness, and uneven ground may lead to uneven force on the support legs, affecting the lifting capacity and safety of the crane. The carrying capacity of the site determines whether the crane can operate safely on the site. If the carrying capacity of the site is insufficient, the crane may sink into the ground during the lifting process, causing equipment damage and personnel injury. Before selecting a crane, it is necessary to conduct a detailed survey and testing of the site to determine its bearing capacity, in order to choose the appropriate type and configuration of crane. For example, for sites with low load-bearing capacity, it may be necessary to choose cranes with lighter weight and lower grounding pressure, or to reinforce the site before using larger cranes.

        Meteorological conditions are also factors that cannot be ignored. Wind speed has a direct impact on the safety and efficiency of crane operations. Wind power projects are usually located in areas with abundant wind resources, and excessively high wind speeds can increase the risk of crane operations. When the wind speed exceeds a certain limit, the stability of the crane will be seriously affected, and it may even cause the crane to overturn. Different types of cranes have different tolerance to wind speed. Generally speaking, crawler cranes have relatively good wind resistance performance, but they also have wind speed limitations for safe operation; The wind resistance of automobile cranes is relatively weak, and caution is needed when operating in high wind speeds. When choosing a crane, it is necessary to understand the average and maximum wind speeds in the area based on local meteorological data, and select a crane that can operate safely under common meteorological conditions in the area. At the same time, in the actual operation process, the wind speed should be monitored in real time. When the wind speed exceeds the safety threshold, the operation should be stopped immediately and corresponding protective measures should be taken. The weather conditions can also have an impact on the selection of cranes. In severe weather conditions such as rainstorm and blizzard, the difficulty of crane operation will increase, and the safety of equipment will also be threatened. For example, in rainstorm, water may accumulate on the site, affecting the traveling and operation of cranes; In blizzard weather, the structure of the crane may accumulate snow and ice, increasing the weight and resistance of the equipment and affecting its performance. Therefore, when selecting, it is necessary to consider the adaptability of the crane in different weather conditions and whether it has corresponding protective measures, such as rain covers, de icing devices, etc.

        Cost budgeting is an economic factor that enterprises must consider when selecting cranes. The procurement cost, leasing cost, transportation cost, maintenance cost, etc. of the crane will all have an impact on the total cost of the project. Purchasing a large crane may require millions or even tens of millions of yuan in capital investment, which may be difficult for some small wind power projects or financially limited enterprises to afford. In this case, renting a crane may be a more economical option. The rental cost of cranes of different types and specifications also varies. Crawler cranes usually have higher rental costs due to their complex structure and large lifting capacity; The rental cost of car cranes is relatively low. It is also necessary to consider the transportation cost of the crane, especially for some large and heavy cranes, the transportation cost may be quite considerable. In areas with inconvenient transportation such as mountains, transportation is more difficult and costly. Maintenance costs are also part of the cost budget, and cranes require regular maintenance and upkeep during use to ensure their performance and safety. There are also differences in maintenance requirements and costs for different types of cranes. Some advanced cranes may be equipped with intelligent monitoring systems that can monitor the operation status of equipment in real time, warn of faults in advance, and reduce maintenance costs; However, some older models of cranes may require more manual maintenance and frequent repairs, resulting in higher maintenance costs. When selecting, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these cost factors and choose the crane solution with the highest cost-effectiveness based on the actual situation and financial situation of the project.

（1） Thorough preparation before homework

        The preparation work before the homework is the foundation for ensuring the smooth installation of the fan, and each link is related to the safety and efficiency of the subsequent homework.

        Site preparation is crucial and requires comprehensive treatment of the lifting site. Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the site is level, which is essential for the stable operation of the crane. By using bulldozers, graders and other equipment, the uneven areas of the site are filled in to make the slope of the ground meet the requirements of the crane operation. Generally speaking, the slope of the crane operation site should not exceed 3%. The site still needs to be compacted to improve its bearing capacity, in order to withstand the enormous weight of cranes and wind turbine components. If the carrying capacity of the site is insufficient, it may cause the crane to get stuck on the ground during operation, leading to serious safety accidents. When carrying out compaction operations, appropriate compaction equipment and techniques should be selected based on the soil conditions of the site to ensure that the bearing capacity of the site meets the requirements. Reasonable spatial planning is also needed for the site, clearly dividing the operating area for cranes, the stacking area for wind turbine components, and the passage route for personnel to avoid mutual interference during the operation process. For example, the stacking area for wind turbine components should be set within the working radius of the crane to facilitate lifting operations, while ensuring that the ground in the stacking area is flat and solid to prevent unstable component stacking and collapse accidents.

        Equipment inspection is a crucial step in the preparation work before starting the job. For cranes, a comprehensive and meticulous inspection should be conducted. Check whether the mechanical components of the crane, such as the engine, hydraulic system, braking system, etc., are working properly. The engine is the power source of the crane, and its performance directly affects the operational capability of the crane. If the engine malfunctions, it may cause the crane to fail to start normally or suddenly stop during operation. The hydraulic system is responsible for the lifting, slewing, and amplitude changing actions of the crane. If there are problems such as leakage and insufficient pressure in the hydraulic system, it will affect the operational accuracy and safety of the crane. The braking system is an important guarantee for the safe operation of cranes. If the braking system fails, the crane may not be able to stop in time during operation, causing serious accidents. It is also necessary to check the wear of lifting components such as wire ropes, hooks, and pulleys of the crane. If the wear exceeds the specified limit, it must be replaced in a timely manner. During long-term use, steel wire ropes may gradually be damaged due to stretching, bending, wear, and other effects. If not replaced in a timely manner, it may cause the steel wire rope to break and lead to heavy object falling accidents. Hooks and pulleys can also affect their load-bearing capacity and working performance due to wear and tear, and must be regularly inspected and replaced. Strict inspection is also required for lifting equipment such as slings and shackles to ensure that their specifications meet the requirements and there are no defects such as deformation or cracks. Slings and shackles are important components that connect cranes and heavy objects. If they have quality problems, they may break during the lifting process, causing heavy objects to fall and endangering personnel and equipment safety.

        Personnel training is an important measure to ensure job safety. Strict qualification review should be conducted on the personnel involved in the operation to ensure that the crane driver holds the corresponding crane operation qualification certificate and has rich experience in wind power hoisting; Crane command personnel possess professional command knowledge and skills, and can accurately command crane operations; Installation workers have received professional training and are familiar with the installation process and technical requirements of wind power equipment. Only personnel with the corresponding qualifications and skills can be competent for wind turbine installation operations, ensuring the safety and quality of the work. Comprehensive safety training should also be provided to all personnel involved in the operation, including lifting safety operating procedures, use of personal protective equipment, emergency response to accidents, etc. Through safety training, operators are familiarized with the safety risks and preventive measures during the operation process, and their safety awareness and self-protection ability are improved. For example, in the training, it is necessary to explain in detail how to operate the crane correctly during the lifting process, to avoid dangerous behaviors such as overweight, tilting, and pulling; How to correctly wear personal protective equipment such as safety helmets and seat belts to prevent accidents such as falling and object strikes during work; How to quickly take emergency measures for self rescue and mutual assistance in the event of an accident.

        Familiarity with drawings is an important part of pre job preparation. Technicians should carefully review the installation drawings, foundation drawings, and lifting plans of wind power equipment to ensure a clear understanding of key information such as the structure, dimensions, weight, center of gravity position, and connection methods of each component of the equipment. For example, for wind turbine blades, it is necessary to clarify their length, weight, torsion angle, and other parameters, which directly affect the equipment selection and operation mode for lifting. It is also necessary to check whether the construction drawings match the actual site conditions, including details such as foundation dimensions, anchor bolt positions, and surrounding obstacles. If any discrepancies are found, they should be promptly communicated with the design unit and adjusted to avoid construction errors or safety accidents caused by drawing issues during the construction process. When reviewing drawings, relevant personnel should be organized to conduct a drawing review, fully discuss and study the issues in the drawings, and ensure the accuracy and feasibility of the drawings.

（2） Key points of operation in homework

        Lifting operation specifications: Trial lifting is an indispensable part of lifting operations, which can detect potential safety hazards in advance and ensure the safety of formal lifting. Before the trial lifting, the various performance of the crane should be checked again to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition. Check if the connection of the lifting equipment is secure and if the selection of lifting points is reasonable. During the trial lifting, lift the heavy object 20-50 centimeters off the ground and maintain it for a period of time, usually 5-10 minutes. Observe the stability of the crane, the reliability of the braking system, and the condition of the lifting equipment and heavy object. If the crane is found to be tilting or shaking, the braking system is malfunctioning, the lifting equipment is loose or broken, or there is abnormal swinging of heavy objects, etc., the trial lifting should be stopped immediately, the cause should be identified and rectified, and the formal lifting can only be carried out after the trial lifting is qualified.

        Speed control is crucial during formal lifting. The lifting speed should be slow and uniform, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration, and preventing heavy objects from shaking or falling off due to excessive inertia force. Generally speaking, the lifting speed should be controlled between 0.3-0.5 meters per minute, and adjusted appropriately according to the weight of the heavy object and the actual situation on site. During the lifting process, it is also necessary to constantly pay attention to the various parameters of the crane, such as lifting capacity, lifting height, working radius, etc., to ensure that they do not exceed the rated performance range of the crane. Attitude control is also crucial for lifting operations, ensuring that the heavy object remains stable and does not tilt or flip during the lifting process. By adjusting the angle of the crane boom, rotation speed, and using traction ropes, the posture of the heavy object can be precisely controlled. For example, when lifting fan blades, due to the long length of the blades and the difficulty in controlling the center of gravity, two or more traction ropes need to be used, which are pulled by a dedicated person on the ground to maintain the stability of the blades.

        Installation process specification: Tower docking is an important part of fan installation and requires strict precision control. Before docking, the connection surface of the tower should be cleaned to ensure no oil stains, debris, etc., to ensure the tightness of the connection. Use professional measuring tools such as theodolites, levels, etc. to measure the verticality and concentricity of the tower, ensuring that the deviation is within the allowable range. Generally, the verticality deviation should be controlled within 1.5 ‰, and the concentricity deviation should be controlled within 2 millimeters. During the docking process, adjust the position and angle of the crane to accurately align the docking bolt holes of the tower, and then slowly lower the tower for bolt connection. When connecting bolts, they should be tightened according to the specified torque and measured using a torque wrench to ensure that the tightening force of each bolt is uniform and consistent, in order to ensure the firmness of the tower connection.

        When hoisting the engine room, special attention should be paid to balance and avoid eccentricity. Before lifting, it is necessary to accurately determine the center of gravity of the computer compartment, select a suitable lifting point, and install a balance beam on the lifting device to ensure that the cabin remains level during the lifting process. The lifting process should be slow and smooth. When approaching the top of the tower, a dedicated person should command on the tower platform and adjust the operation of the crane to accurately align the engine room. The safe and reliable connection between the engine room and the tower is crucial. The connecting bolts should be tightened in the prescribed order and torque. After the connection is completed, the connecting parts should be inspected to ensure that there are no looseness, gaps, or other issues.

        Blade installation is a difficult step in wind turbine installation, requiring a high degree of caution and precise operation. Before installation, a comprehensive inspection of the blades should be carried out to ensure that there are no defects such as cracks or damage. During installation, use specialized blade lifting equipment such as blade lifts, pitch systems, etc. to slowly lift the blades to the installation position. The installation angle and direction of the blades must be strictly adjusted according to the design requirements, and the installation accuracy of the blades can be ensured by using angle measuring instruments and other tools. When connecting the blade to the hub, it is necessary to ensure that the connecting bolts are securely fastened. After the connection is completed, a comprehensive inspection of the blade installation should be carried out, including the angle of the blade, the firmness of the connection, and the connection of the lightning wire, to ensure that the blade installation meets the requirements.

        Safety protection measures: The correct wearing of personnel safety protection equipment is a basic requirement for ensuring personnel safety. Operators must wear safety helmets that meet national standards and have good impact resistance, effectively protecting their heads from object strikes. Seat belts are important equipment to prevent personnel from falling. When conducting high-altitude operations, operators must fasten their seat belts and hang the hooks of the seat belts in a secure and reliable place. It is strictly prohibited to hang them low and use them high. Safety shoes have functions such as anti smashing, anti puncture, and anti slip, which can protect the feet from injury. Operators should wear suitable safety shoes for work. Protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should also be worn. Gloves can prevent scratches and burns on the hands, while goggles can protect the eyes from strong light, splashes, and other injuries.

        The division of safety zones and the setting of warning signs at the work site can effectively prevent unrelated personnel from entering the work area and avoid safety accidents. Use warning tapes, fences and other facilities to divide the work site into different safety areas, such as crane operation area, equipment stacking area, personnel access area, etc., and set up clear warning signs at the boundaries of the areas, such as "No Entry", "Attention to Safety", "High altitude Operation" and other signs. Special warning signs should be set up in hazardous areas, such as under the lifting arm of a crane, areas where heavy objects are lifted and dropped, and dedicated personnel should be arranged for supervision. Unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from entering. When working at night, it is necessary to ensure sufficient lighting at the work site. Lighting fixtures should be installed in safe areas and warning signs to ensure that personnel can clearly see the signs and the surrounding environment.

（3） Dealing with environmental factors and emergency response

        Meteorological condition response: Wind speed is an important meteorological factor that affects the safety of wind turbine installation operations. When the wind speed exceeds a certain limit, the stability of the crane will be seriously affected, and it may even cause the crane to overturn. Different types of cranes have different tolerance to wind speed. Generally speaking, when the wind speed exceeds 8m/s, it is not suitable to lift the blades and impellers; When the wind speed exceeds 10m/s, it is not advisable to carry out lifting work on equipment such as towers, engine rooms, wheel hubs, and generators. In the actual operation process, it is necessary to monitor wind speed in real time, use anemometers and other equipment to measure at different locations on the work site, and obtain accurate wind speed data. When the wind speed approaches the safety threshold, it is important to closely monitor the trend of wind speed changes and be prepared to stop operations. Once the wind speed exceeds the safety threshold, the operation must be stopped immediately, the lifting arm of the crane must be retracted and lowered, the hook raised to the highest position, the engine turned off, the operating room locked, and personnel evacuated from the scene. At the same time, windproof measures should be taken for the crane and wind turbine components, such as using windproof anchors, cable wind ropes, etc. to fix the crane, and reinforcing the wind turbine components to prevent accidents such as movement and collapse in strong winds.

        The impact of weather changes on homework cannot be ignored. In rainstorm, water may accumulate on the site, which may affect the traveling and operation of the crane, and may also cause equipment damage due to moisture. In blizzard weather, the structure of the crane may accumulate snow and ice, increasing the weight and resistance of the equipment and affecting its performance. In foggy weather, visibility decreases and operators' vision is obstructed, making it easy for operational errors to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the weather forecast before homework, understand the weather changes in advance, and arrange the homework time reasonably. In case of rainstorm, heavy snow, fog and other severe weather, the operation shall be stopped and corresponding protective measures shall be taken. In rainstorm, timely dredge the drainage system of the site, drain the accumulated water, and cover the equipment to prevent moisture. In blizzard weather, it is necessary to promptly remove snow and ice from cranes and equipment, and provide thermal protection for the equipment. In foggy weather, it is necessary to strengthen on-site lighting and warning, and if necessary, set up guiding personnel to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

        Emergency plans and equipment: The development of emergency plans is an important guarantee for responding to sudden accidents. The emergency plan should include emergency organizational structure, division of responsibilities, emergency response procedures, rescue measures, accident reports, and other contents. Clarify the composition and division of responsibilities of the emergency organization to ensure that rescue work can be carried out quickly and effectively in the event of an accident. For example, establishing an on-site emergency command center responsible for unified command and coordination of rescue work; Establish emergency rescue teams such as on-site rescue team, medical rescue team, and logistics support team, each responsible for different rescue tasks. Develop detailed emergency response procedures, specifying the operational procedures for information reporting, emergency activation, on-site rescue, and expanding response in the event of an accident. Clearly define rescue measures and develop corresponding rescue methods and techniques based on different types of accidents, such as fire extinguishing methods for fire accidents, first aid measures for electric shock accidents, and rescue steps for collapse accidents. It is also necessary to establish procedures and content for accident reporting, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of accident situations to higher-level departments and relevant units after the accident occurs.

        The provision of emergency equipment is the foundation for carrying out rescue work. Necessary emergency rescue equipment should be equipped, such as fire extinguishers, fire hoses, first aid kits, stretchers, lighting equipment, communication equipment, etc. Fire extinguishers should be selected according to the types and quantities of fires that may occur at the work site, to ensure timely extinguishing in the event of a fire. Fire hoses should be of sufficient length and have good pressure resistance to meet the needs of fire extinguishing. The first aid kit should be equipped with commonly used first aid drugs and equipment, such as tourniquets, bandages, disinfectants, band aids, etc., in order to provide timely first aid treatment in case of injury. Stretchers are used to transport the wounded, and sturdy and lightweight stretchers should be selected for easy operation. Lighting equipment is crucial during nighttime rescue operations, and sufficient brightness and quantity of lighting fixtures should be equipped to ensure good lighting conditions at the rescue site. Communication devices such as walkie talkies and mobile phones should be kept unobstructed to facilitate timely communication and coordination during rescue operations. Emergency equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is in good working condition. Regularly check the pressure and expiration date of fire extinguishers, the integrity of fire hoses, the expiration date of first aid drugs, etc., and promptly repair and replace any problems found. Regular emergency drills should also be organized to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of emergency plans, and to improve the operational skills and emergency response capabilities of emergency rescue personnel. After the drill, it is necessary to evaluate and improve the emergency plan and equipment, and continuously improve the allocation of emergency plans and equipment.

        Taking a mountain wind power project as an example, the project plans to install 30 wind turbines with a single capacity of 4 megawatts. The turbine hub height is 130 meters, the blade length is 75 meters, the maximum weight of a single tower section is 110 tons, and the cabin weight is 70 tons. The project is located in a complex terrain with rugged mountain roads, narrow site, and limited carrying capacity.

        In terms of crane selection, the project team initially considered using a truck mounted crane due to its strong maneuverability. However, after on-site investigation and detailed calculations, it was found that although the mobile crane is easy to transfer, its stability in complex terrain is poor, and the large tonnage mobile crane required for the project is scarce in the region, resulting in high rental costs. Although the mobility of crawler cranes is not as good as that of truck cranes, their strong off-road capabilities and stability are more suitable for mountainous terrain, and there are relatively sufficient rental resources in the local area. After comprehensive consideration, the project ultimately selected two 800 ton crawler cranes as the main lifting equipment, paired with a 200 ton truck crane as the auxiliary equipment. This selection scheme not only meets the lifting weight and height requirements of wind turbine components, but also adapts to the complex terrain conditions of the site, ensuring the smooth progress of construction.

        In terms of executing homework standards, the project strictly operates in accordance with relevant standards and requirements. Before the homework, the site was carefully leveled and compacted, and a dedicated crane operation area and component stacking area were set up. The crane and lifting equipment were comprehensively inspected to ensure good equipment performance. Strict qualification review and safety training have been conducted for personnel involved in the operation, ensuring that each worker is familiar with the operation process and safety precautions. During the lifting operation, strict adherence to standard requirements such as trial lifting, slow lifting, speed and posture control was ensured to ensure the safety and smoothness of the lifting process. In key stages such as tower docking, engine room and blade installation, technicians strictly control accuracy and quality, use professional measuring tools for measurement and adjustment, and ensure that the installation of each component meets design requirements.

        The project has also taken effective measures to address environmental factors. During the installation process, we encountered a strong wind with a speed of 12m/s, exceeding the safe operating wind speed threshold for the crane. The project team immediately activated the emergency plan, stopped the operation, retracted and lowered the lifting arm of the crane, raised the hook to the highest position, turned off the engine, locked the operating room, and fixed the crane with windproof anchors and cable ropes. At the same time, the fan components were reinforced to prevent movement or collapse in strong winds. Due to timely and appropriate response measures, potential safety accidents were successfully avoided.

        Through this case, it can be seen that in wind power projects, the selection of cranes must fully consider various factors such as wind turbine parameters, site conditions, and meteorological conditions, and choose the most suitable type and specifications of crane for the actual situation of the project. Strict adherence to job specifications is the key to ensuring safe and efficient installation of fans. From the preparation work before the operation, to the key points of operation during the operation, to dealing with environmental factors and emergency response, every link cannot be ignored. Only by scientifically and strictly implementing selection and operation standards can we ensure the smooth implementation of wind power projects and promote the healthy development of the wind power industry.

        With the rapid development of technology, future crane technology will show trends such as intelligence and lightweighting, which will have a profound impact on wind power installation. The application of intelligent technology will enable cranes to have stronger autonomous decision-making and operational capabilities. For example, by installing advanced sensors and intelligent control systems, cranes can perceive their own working status, surrounding environmental information, and dynamic parameters of the lifted object in real time, thereby automatically adjusting the lifting speed, angle, and force, achieving more accurate and efficient lifting operations. This can not only improve installation efficiency, but also greatly reduce the safety risks caused by human operation errors, further ensuring the safe installation of wind power.

        Lightweight design is also one of the important directions for the future development of crane technology. By adopting new materials and advanced structural design concepts, the weight of the crane can be reduced without compromising its lifting capacity. This is of great significance for wind power installation. On the one hand, it can reduce the transportation cost of cranes and the requirements for site bearing capacity, enabling them to operate more conveniently in various complex terrains and site conditions; On the other hand, lightweight cranes will also have more advantages in energy consumption, which will help achieve green and sustainable development of wind power projects.

        With the continuous development of the wind power industry, operational standards will also continue to be improved. Industry standards will become stricter and more refined to adapt to the constantly evolving wind power technology and increasing safety and quality requirements. For new wind turbine equipment and complex installation environments, more detailed and targeted operation specifications will be developed to ensure that each installation process has clear operation guidelines and quality standards. The update speed of regulations will also be accelerated to keep up with the pace of technological innovation, timely incorporate new technologies and methods into the regulatory system, and provide more scientific and reasonable guidance for wind power installation.

        The training and education system will also be continuously improved to enhance the understanding and execution ability of homework standards among operators. By conducting diverse training courses and practical activities, the operators are not only familiar with the specific content of the job specifications, but also have a deep understanding of the safety and technical principles behind them, so as to consciously abide by the specifications in practical work and ensure the safety and quality of wind power installation operations.