Adapter Configuration for a Wind Tower Lattice Structure

Abstract

A wind turbine tower includes a lattice tower structure having a plurality of vertically oriented columns and cross-brace members. An adapter is molded onto a top of the lattice tower structure such that top portions of the columns are embedded into the adapter. The adapter may be a concrete member molded onto the lattice tower structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to wind turbine tower structures, and more particularly to an adapter configuration that may utilized between the lattice tower and an upper tubular component of the wind turbine, or at the interface between a jacket foundation and tower for offshore wind turbines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional wind turbine towers typically include a tubularpole construction to support a wind turbine at a considerable height to capture wind energy. The tubular tower configuration is relatively simple and easier to assemble, but utilizes a considerable amount of material, particularly steel. With the rising costs of these materials, the tubular towers become economically disadvantageous for certain hub heights and geographic regions.[0003]The growing acceptance of wind energy as a significant alternative energy source depends on large part in maintaining the cost-per-kilowatt of power produced at an acceptable level. I...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

With the rising costs of these materials, the tubular towers become economically disadvantageous for certain hub heights and geographic regions.

The load transfer issues from the machine head to the vertical legs of the lattice tower can be quite complex.

This steel adapter is, however, expensive to produce and requires skilled technicians (including welders) to configure the adapter to the tower, all of which adds to the overall cost of the wind turbine.

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