Wind turbine tower interference-free stackable system

Abstract

The tower assembly system may include an OEM supplied tower section and one or more intermediate flanges that facilitate lifting the tower section above a previous section without the use of a conventional overhead lifting system. Methods and systems for assembling wind turbines may involve placing intermediate flanges on the top and bottom of each section without permanently modifying existing components or using connection points of OEM supplies.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to patent applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 389,390, filed on July 15, 2022, and entitled “WIND TURBINE TOWERNON-INTERFERENCE STACKABLE SYSTEM,” and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments are directed to apparatus, methods, and systems for assembling towers, including but not limited to wind turbine towers. Embodiments are further directed to methods for stacking or installing tower sections on top of previous sections using an under-supported tower hoist rather than the usual overhead hoists used in other systems, such as systems utilizing conventional cranes. Background Art

[0004] Wind power is considered to be one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy sources currently available, and wind turbines have received increasing attention in this regard. Wind turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. Modern wind turbines typically include a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades use the known airfoil principle to capture kinetic energy from the wind and transfer kinetic energy through rotational energy to rotate the main shaft (the rotor blades are connected to the gearbox, or if the gearbox is not used, the rotor blades are directly connected to the generator). Then, the generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be deployed to the public grid, stored, or used in other local ways. Wind turbines typically include a rotor (i.e., a wheel) of considerable size connected to a nacelle disposed on the top of the tower. The nacelle includes a generator for generating electricity from the rotational motion energy generated by the rotor.

[0005] Conventionally, the installation, repair, re-powering and decommissioning of such wind turbines requires at least one large crane system, which may need to be strong enough to reach and lift heavy loads to considerable heights when installing, repairing, re-powering or decommissioning the wind turbine. Wind turbines may typically extend tens of meters above ground or sea level. Typically, such large crane systems are scarce and expensive to mobilize, set up and install at the wind turbine site.

[0006] Wind turbine installation for such large power capacity systems may involve conventional crane installation techniques or so-called "craneless" methods, such as a "climbing" crane adaptation and / or a tower crane for wind turbine installation, erected in close proximity to the wind turbine tower.

[0007] Wind turbine installation for such large power capacity systems may involve conventional crane installation techniques or so-called "craneless" methods. For example, FIG. 1A shows an image of a conventional crane installation method. FIG. 1B , on the other hand, shows a craneless method involving a tower grab system. An example of such a tower grab system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,494,235 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] Another example of a craneless approach is shown in FIG. 1C , which illustrates the use of a tower crane type for wind turbine installation in close proximity to a wind turbine tower. Another example of a craneless installation technique may involve the use of a tower crane that operates a climbing tower with improved wind turbine power. A further example of a craneless system involves the use of tracks on the tower and a conveyor or crane on the carrier. An example of this approach is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,261,072 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0009] Figure ID illustrates an image of a prior art system for raising tower sections. Figure IE illustrates a schematic diagram of another prior art system for assembling tower sections of a wind tower.

[0010] As wind turbines and associated components increase in height and weight, there is an increasing need for large heavy-duty cranes (onshore) and (offshore) heavy-lift or wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs). This large equipment is not sufficient to provide installation or repair capabilities around the world, which will lead to bottlenecks and delays in many wind farm projects.

[0011] Furthermore, the cost and time spent installing this equipment is very high and extensive. There are better installation methods that can achieve parallel installations, saving time and cost for the end user / owner.

[0012] Environmental damage and carbon emissions reduction are also of great concern. Our system is also designed to reduce the environmental footprint by using the smallest possible cranes and the smallest possible transport loads, and by minimizing the area used and the civil work required at the wind turbine site and on the access roads.

[0013] The operating weather window is also short, especially in northern regions where the weather is colder, and having the ability to extend the operating window will allow for more efficient operations and save time.

[0014] In addition, there are many areas in the world that do not have the resources or ability to obtain such large, heavy equipment, but the area desires to install large wind turbines. However, due to the scarcity of installation resources, this goal may not be achieved. Therefore, the inventors have proposed a solution to the above problem, which is intended to allow any country, company or person to use existing, small capacity or medium capacity cranes and fewer resources to install any desired wind turbine capacity and size. Summary of the invention

[0015] The following summary is provided to facilitate understanding of some of the unique innovative features of the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a complete description. A comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be obtained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0016] It is therefore an aspect of an embodiment to provide methods and systems for improved wind turbine installation.

[0017] Another aspect of the embodiments provides a method and system for stacking or installing tower sections over previous sections by using an under-supported tower hoist rather than an overhead hoist used in conventional systems.

[0018] Another aspect of an embodiment provides a window tower assembly method and system that uses OEM (original equipment manufacturer) provided tower sections, wherein one or more intermediate flanges are added to the top and bottom of each tower section without permanently modifying existing components or using OEM existing connection points.

[0019] An aspect of the embodiment also provides a flange with a notch with a shape-changing hole, which can allow the heavy objects to be moved into place and the lifting system to be removed at any time without any pinch points.

[0020] Another aspect of the embodiments provides an arrangement for use with the above-described flange that can become an integral part of the original tower flange to minimize components.

[0021] An aspect of an embodiment also provides a configuration that can be used in an assembly using an external or internal lift or hoist system.

[0022] Further aspects of the embodiments provide a tower assembly system that may further include attachment of lifting points in an upper portion of the one or more flanges.

[0023] The foregoing aspects and other objects and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. In an embodiment, a method of assembling a wind tower may include: providing a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; and stacking the tower section over the previous tower section using at least one lower supported tower hoist.

[0024] Embodiments may further involve adding at least one intermediate flange of the plurality of flanges at the top and bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one flange of the plurality of flanges may be configured with a notch having a shape-shifting hole that may facilitate carrying heavy objects into place and removing the lifting system without pinch points.

[0026] Embodiments may further involve providing multiple flanges having different diameters and shapes and different hole diameters and hole shapes, which may facilitate lifting of the multiple flanges.

[0027] Embodiments may further be directed to providing a configuration for use in at least one of the plurality of flanges that becomes an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

[0028] Embodiments may further relate to using the configuration in an assembly having an external lift, an internal lift, or a lifting system.

[0029] In an embodiment, a system for assembling a wind tower may include: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; and at least one lower supported tower hoist, the at least one lower supported tower hoist being used to stack the tower sections above the previous tower section using the at least one lower supported tower hoist.

[0030] In an embodiment, at least one intermediate flange may be added at the top and the bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0031] In an embodiment, at least one flange may include a notch that facilitates the shape-shifting aperture of the lifting system to facilitate carrying heavy objects into place without pinch points and removal.

[0032] Embodiments may further include multiple flanges having different diameters and shapes and different hole diameters and hole shapes which may assist in facilitating lifting of the multiple flanges.

[0033] Embodiments may further include a configuration for use in at least one of the plurality of flanges that may become an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

[0034] In embodiments, the configuration may be adapted for use in assemblies using external lifts, internal lifts, or lifting systems.

[0035] In an embodiment, a system for assembling a wind tower may include: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; at least one lower supported tower hoist, the at least one lower supported tower hoist being used to stack the tower section above the previous tower section using the at least one lower supported tower hoist; and a plurality of flanges.

[0036] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include at least one intermediate flange.

[0037] In an embodiment, at least one intermediate flange may be added at the top and the bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0038] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include at least one flange including a notch that allows for a shape-shifting aperture of the lifting system to be moved into place and removed without pinch points.

[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include flanges having different diameters and shapes.

[0040] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may further include different hole diameters and hole shapes to facilitate lifting of the plurality of flanges.

[0041] In an embodiment, the plurality of tower sections of the wind tower may further include an intermediate tower section located between the tower section and a previous tower section.

[0042] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include one or more of: a bottom support flange (BSF) and a top support flange (TSF). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings (in which like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification) further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of a prior art crane mounting system;

[0045] FIG. 1B illustrates an image of a prior art grabbing system without a crane;

[0046] FIG1C illustrates an image of a crane-less prior art system with a tower crane operating in close proximity to a wind turbine;

[0047] FIG. 1D illustrates an image of a prior art system for raising a tower section;

[0048] FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic diagram of another prior art system for assembling tower sections of a wind tower;

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a tower base including a non-interference flange system according to an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 3A-3B shows a schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange (multiple or single) system for an unmodified OEM tower section according to an embodiment;

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment; and

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a side view of a complete tower according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0055] The same reference numbers used herein may refer to the same or similar parts or elements.

[0056] The specific values ​​and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may vary and are cited merely for illustration of one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0057] The subject matter will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document and illustrate specific example embodiments by way of illustration. However, the subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore, the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be interpreted as not being limited to any example embodiment set forth herein; the example embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only. Likewise, it is intended to provide a reasonably broad scope for the subject matter claimed or covered. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as a method, device, component, or system. Thus, the embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (except the software itself). Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be interpreted as limiting.

[0058] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have subtle meanings that are suggested or implied by the context, beyond the explicitly stated meanings. Likewise, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an example embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and phrases "in another embodiment" or "in another example embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein may or may not necessarily refer to different embodiments. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include, in whole or in part, a combination of the example embodiments.

[0059] In general, terms may be understood at least in part from their use in context. For example, terms such as "and", "or" or "and / or" as used herein may include multiple meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or" (if used in an associative list, such as A, B, or C) is intended to mean A, B, and C (used herein in an inclusive sense) as well as A, B, or C (used herein in an exclusive sense). In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein (depending at least in part on the context) may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "a", "an", or "the") may again be understood to convey singular use or to convey plural use, depending at least in part on the context.

[0060] Furthermore, the term "based on" can be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather can allow for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described, again depending at least in part on the context. Furthermore, the phrase "at least one" can be understood to convey the meaning of "one or more." For example, "at least one widget" can convey the concept of "one or more widgets."

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a group of tower sections for assembling or installing a wind tower according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 2 The tower section group shown in FIG. 2 includes a tower bottom section 221 , a tower section 222 and a tower top section 223 . Figure 2 The configuration shown includes non-interference flange system 201, non-interference flange system 202, and non-interference flange system 203, each of which is Figure 2 The circle dashed line shown indicates. It should be noted that the circle dashed line has a corresponding system of similar or different dimensions at the bottom, which may need to match the OEM flange size.

[0062] The wind tower assembly can be realized by utilizing the tower sections (tower bottom section 221, tower section 222, tower top section 223) provided by the OEM and adding one or more intermediate flanges on the top and bottom of each tower section without permanently modifying the existing components or using the OEM existing connection points. Each non-interference flange system includes one or more flanges, such as, for example, flange portion 211, interconnector portion 212, and rack / guide portion 213. These flanges can be configured with notches that can readily allow heavy objects to be carried into place without any pinch points and enable the lifting system to be removed.

[0063] It should be noted that the term "flange" as used herein and in the context of the assembly of wind tower sections of a wind tower supporting a wind turbine may refer to a component that plays a significant role in joining together different sections of a tower. A flange may be a flat, round or annular disk or other configurations or shapes as discussed herein. It may be constructed of steel or other durable materials capable of withstanding the loads and forces experienced by a wind tower. The flange may provide a secure and rigid connection between adjacent tower sections, thereby ensuring structural integrity and stability. Each tower section may have a corresponding flange at its end, and when two sections are assembled, their flanges may be aligned and bolted together using high-strength fasteners, such as bolts. The flange design may be carefully designed to evenly distribute loads and stresses across the joint, thereby enhancing the overall strength and stability of the wind tower.

[0064] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange (multiple or single) system for an unmodified OEM tower section is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 3AIn the embodiment, the bottom support flange (BSF) 235 is an insert located at the bottom of the top OEM tower section 223, and the bottom support flange 235 will adapt to the design of the original flange of the top OEM tower 223, and also allow connection to / from the rack. The top support flange (TSF) 233 can be provided as an insert, which can be located at the top of the lower tower OEM section 221, and the insert can adapt to the design of the original flange of the lower OEM tower section 221 and can further allow connection to / from the rack. For Figure 3B , the flange insert 234 may be a single insert unit that may be composed of both BSF and TSF.

[0065] It should be noted that the term BSF or "bottom support flange" as used herein may relate to the type of flange that may be used in an assembly for supporting a wind tower section of a wind turbine. The BSF may be located at the base or bottom-most section of a wind tower, providing a connection point between the wind tower and its base. The BSF may serve as an interface between the wind tower and the base, distributing loads and forces from the wind turbine and the tower itself to the base system. It may be designed to transfer the weight of the tower, as well as the rotational forces generated by the wind turbine, to the ground, thereby ensuring stability and structural integrity.

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 4 In, the bottom support flange (BSF) can be provided as an insert which can be located at the bottom of the top OEM upper tower section and which can adapt to the design of the initial flange of the top OEM tower while also allowing connection to / from the rack. The top support flange (TSF) can be an insert which can be located at the top of the lower tower OEM section and which can adapt to the design of the initial flange of the lower OEM tower section and allow connection to / from the rack. The composite sample shape resulting from the upper support flange and the lower support flange can be a cylinder or similar shape, as in Figure 4 Configuration 240 for multiple flanges or configuration 242 for single flanges is indicated in the order shown in FIG.

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5In, the bottom support flange (BSF) can be an insert that can be located at the bottom of the top OEM upper tower section and can adapt the design of the top OEM tower initial flange and can also allow connection to / from the rack. The top support flange (TSF) can be an insert that is located at the top of the lower tower OEM section and can adapt the design of the lower OEM tower section initial flange while allowing connection to / from the rack. The composite shape created by the upper support flange and the lower support flange can be a cuboid or similar shape, as in Figure 5 Configuration 250 for multiple flanges or configuration 252 for single flanges is indicated in the order shown in FIG.

[0068] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a tower intermediate flange system with non-interference loading supports (with multiple or single) according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 6 In, the bottom support flange (BSF) is an insert that can be located at the bottom of the top OEM upper tower section and can adapt the design of the top OEM tower initial flange while also allowing connection to / from the rack. The top support flange (TSF) is an insert that is located at the top of the lower tower OEM section and will adapt the design of the lower OEM tower section initial flange and will allow connection to / from the rack. The composite shape created by the upper support flange and the lower support flange is a rhomboid or similar, as in Figure 6 The sequence shown in FIG. 2 is for a multi-flange configuration 260 or a single-flange configuration 262 .

[0069] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a side view of a complete tower 270 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The complete tower 270 may include a tower bottom section 221 , a tower section 222 and a tower top section 223 .

[0070] Based on the foregoing, it should be appreciated that various embodiments are disclosed herein. For example, in an embodiment, a method of assembling a wind tower may involve: providing a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; and stacking the tower section above the previous tower section using at least one lower supported tower hoist.

[0071] An embodiment may further involve adding at least one intermediate flange of the plurality of flanges at the top and bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0072] In an embodiment, at least one flange of the plurality of flanges may be configured with a notch having a variable shape aperture that may facilitate carrying heavy objects into place and removing the lifting system without pinch points.

[0073] Embodiments may further involve providing multiple flanges of different diameters and shapes and different hole diameters and hole shapes which can facilitate lifting of the multiple flanges.

[0074] Embodiments may further be directed to providing a configuration for use in at least one of the plurality of flanges that becomes an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

[0075] Embodiments may further relate to using the configuration in an assembly having an external lift, an internal lift, or a lifting system.

[0076] In an embodiment, a system for assembling a wind tower may include: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; and at least one under-supported tower hoist for stacking the tower section above the previous tower section using the at least one under-supported tower hoist.

[0077] In an embodiment, at least one intermediate flange may be added at the top and the bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0078] In an embodiment, at least one flange may include a notch that facilitates the variable shape aperture of the lifting system to facilitate carrying heavy objects into place without pinch points and removal.

[0079] Embodiments may further include multiple flanges of different diameters and shapes and multiple flanges of different hole diameters and hole shapes which may assist in facilitating lifting of the multiple flanges.

[0080] Embodiments may further include a configuration for use in at least one of the plurality of flanges that may become an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

[0081] In embodiments, the configuration may be adapted for use in assemblies using external lifts, internal lifts, or lifting systems.

[0082] In an embodiment, a system for assembling a wind tower may include: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections include a tower section and a previous tower section; at least one lower supported tower hoist for stacking the tower sections above a previous tower section using at least one lower supported tower hoist; and a plurality of flanges.

[0083] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include at least one intermediate flange.

[0084] In an embodiment, at least one intermediate flange may be added at the top and the bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

[0085] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include at least one flange including a notch that allows for heavy objects to be carried into place without pinch points and for removal of a variable shape aperture of the lifting system.

[0086] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include flanges of different diameters and shapes.

[0087] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may further include different hole diameters and hole shapes to facilitate lifting of the plurality of flanges.

[0088] In an embodiment, the plurality of tower sections of the wind tower may further include an intermediate tower section located between the tower section and a previous tower section.

[0089] In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges may include one or more of: a bottom support flange (BSF) and a top support flange (TSF).

[0090] It should be understood that variations of the above disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It should also be understood that various currently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, and the alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a wind tower, comprising: providing a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections comprises a tower section and a preceding tower section; The tower section is stacked above the previous tower section using at least one under-supported tower hoist.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one intermediate flange of the plurality of flanges is added at the top and the bottom of each tower section of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: At least one flange of the plurality of flanges includes a notch for a shape-shifting hole that facilitates moving heavy objects into place and removing the lifting system without pinch points.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Providing multiple flanges of different diameters and shapes and different hole diameters and hole shapes to facilitate lifting of the multiple flanges.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A configuration is provided for at least one flange of the plurality of flanges that becomes an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: The configuration is used in assemblies using external lifts, internal lifts, or lifting systems.

7. A system for assembling a wind tower, comprising: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections comprises a tower section and a preceding tower section; At least one under-supported tower hoist for stacking the tower section above the previous tower section using the at least one under-supported tower hoist.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising: At least one intermediate flange is added at the top and bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: At least one flange includes a notch for a shape-shifting hole that facilitates getting the heavy objects into place and removing the lifting system without pinch points.

10. The system according to claim 7, further comprising: A plurality of flanges having different diameters and shapes and different hole diameters and hole shapes to facilitate lifting of the plurality of flanges.

11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising: A configuration used in at least one of the plurality of flanges, the configuration becoming an integral part of the original tower flange for minimizing components.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The configuration is adapted for use in an assembly using an external lift, an internal lift, or a lifting system.

13. A system for assembling a wind tower, comprising: a plurality of tower sections for a wind tower, wherein the plurality of tower sections comprises a tower section and a preceding tower section; at least one under-supported tower hoist for stacking the tower section above the previous tower section using the at least one under-supported tower hoist; and Multiple flanges.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of flanges includes at least one intermediate flange.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The at least one intermediate flange is added at the top and the bottom of each of the plurality of tower sections without permanently modifying existing components of the wind tower or using OEM existing connection points.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of flanges include at least one flange including a notch for a shape-shifting hole that allows for the lifting system to be moved into place and removed without pinch points.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of flanges include flanges of different diameters and shapes.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein: The plurality of flanges also include different hole diameters and hole shapes to facilitate lifting of the plurality of flanges.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of tower sections of the wind tower also includes an intermediate tower section located between the tower section and the previous tower section.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein: The plurality of flanges further includes at least one of: a bottom support flange (BSF) and a top support flange (TSF).

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