Towers and related methods of protecting them from wind-induced vibrations

Abstract

A tower and associated method for protecting the tower from wind-induced vibrations is provided. The tower (100) includes a truss support structure (101). The truss support structure (101) is an elongated, upright structure formed by interconnecting multiple beams (102). The tower (100) includes at least one movable mass device (103) including a housing (301) mechanically coupled to the interconnected multiple beams (102), at least one mass (302) configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator (303) configured to controllably move the at least one mass (302). The tower (100) further includes at least one sensor (104) configured to detect vibrations of the truss support structure (101), and at least one controller (105) operatively connected to the at least one sensor (104) and the at least one actuator (303) and configured to control inertial motion of the at least one mass (302) in real time to suppress said vibrations of the truss support structure (101).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tower comprising at least one movable mass device that protects the tower from vibrations caused by wind.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations.

[0003] The field of application of the present invention is the mitigation of the effects of wind loads on towers, particularly towers having a steel truss structure such as broadcast and communication towers. [Background technology]

[0004] Some tower-like structures, such as broadcasting towers and communication towers, are made of steel truss structures.

[0005] The tower has a long, slender, upright structure, which makes it extremely slender and raises concerns about damping (vibration control).

[0006] This means that towers are highly susceptible to vibrations caused by wind loads, which can cause longitudinal, lateral and torsional movements of the tower and can also cause aeroelastic instability of the structure.

[0007] This vibration problem is exacerbated when heavy equipment such as broadcasting and communications equipment is mounted on the tower, especially in the upper part of the tower.

[0008] This problem is even worse in towers having a truss support structure of multiple interconnected beams.

[0009] In such cases, the poor damping of the truss support structure amplifies the dynamic characteristics of the truss tower, and wind loads can then generate large displacements and stresses on the support structure, potentially causing damage to the tower or even causing it to collapse.

[0010] Tuned-mass passive dampers are known to mitigate the adverse effects of wind loads on towers by mechanically increasing the damping of the structure. However, such systems are highly susceptible to structural variations over time, typically include weights that account for around 5% of the total mass of the structure, and require custom design for each structure.

[0011] US20100226785A1 (Patent Document 1) relates to a space frame tower for use in a wind turbine, which is provided with damping struts on the longitudinal elements of the space frame to damp vibrations caused by occasional wind gusts and high wind speeds.

[0012] US5065552A (Patent Document 2) relates to an active vibration response control system for a frame structure with columns and beams, which controls the vibration response during strong winds by interposing variable damping devices between the frame elements.

[0013] CN114253308A (Patent Document 3) relates to a method for active control of vibrations of a space frame structure, in which information about the acceleration of the structure is obtained by an acceleration sensor, and piezoelectric actuators arranged on the structure and configured to apply a driving force are controlled according to a neural network predictive model. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 226785 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,065,552 [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114253308 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] However, known solutions are not sufficiently effective in protecting towers, especially towers with truss supports or space frames, from wind-induced vibrations.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0017] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a tower that is effectively protected from vibrations.

[0018] A further specific object of the present invention is to protect the tower from wind induced vibrations.

[0019] A more specific object of the present invention is to suppress vibrations in a truss support structure having multiple interconnected beams. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] These and other objects are achieved by a tower and a method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations in accordance with the features of the appended claims, which form part of the present description.

[0021] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a tower having an elongated, upright truss support structure formed by interconnecting a plurality of beams. The tower comprises at least one movable mass device including a housing mechanically coupled to the interconnected beams, at least one mass configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator configured to controllably move the at least one mass. The tower further comprises at least one sensor configured to detect vibrations of the truss support structure. The tower further comprises at least one controller operatively connected to the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator. The at least one controller is configured to control inertial motion of the at least one mass in real time to suppress the vibrations of the truss support structure.

[0022] A further idea underlying the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations. The tower has an elongated, upright truss support structure with a plurality of interconnected beams. The method comprises providing at least one movable mass device on the tower. The movable mass device includes a housing mechanically coupled to the interconnected beams, at least one mass movable in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator for controllably moving the at least one mass. The method comprises detecting, with at least one sensor, wind-induced vibrations on the truss support structure. The method comprises controlling inertial motion of the at least one mass in real time to suppress the wind-induced vibrations.

[0023] A further idea underlying the present invention is to provide a tower having an elongated, upright support structure and comprising at least one movable mass device including a housing mechanically coupled to the support structure, at least one mass configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator configured to controllably move the at least one mass. The tower further comprises at least one sensor configured to detect vibrations of the support structure and at least one controller operatively connected to the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator. The at least one controller is configured to control inertial motion of the at least one mass in real time to suppress the vibrations of the support structure.

[0024] A further idea underlying the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations, the tower having an elongated, upright support structure, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one movable mass device on the tower, the movable mass device including a housing mechanically coupled to the support structure, at least one mass movable in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator for controllably moving the at least one mass, detecting wind-induced vibrations on the support structure with at least one sensor, and controlling inertial motion of the at least one mass in real time to suppress the wind-induced vibrations.

[0025] The present invention makes it possible to effectively protect the tower from vibrations, especially from wind-induced vibrations.

[0026] Specifically, the present invention can effectively suppress vibrations in a truss support structure in which multiple beams are interconnected.

[0027] Advantageously, the movable mass device of the present invention constitutes an active mass damper that is highly suitable for application to truss support structures such as steel truss towers with interconnected beams.

[0028] The tower protection system, comprising the at least one movable mass device, the at least one sensor and the at least one controller, is configured to generate a stabilizing force on the tower structure, i.e., a damping effect on the dynamic properties of the structure itself, thereby reducing the maximum deflection reached by the tower due to wind loads.

[0029] Advantageously, the at least one control unit, e.g., a central computer, is capable of remotely or automatically updating the active control algorithm of the at least one movable mass device to adapt the system to any changes in tower configuration.

[0030] Advantageously, the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of towers, including towers with interconnected truss support structures, without requiring substantial modification to the movable mass unit, meaning the movable mass unit can be widely used as a modular unit.

[0031] Advantageously, the mass of the at least one movable mass device is significantly smaller than the total mass of the tower structure, and the mass of the at least one sensor and the at least one control device is substantially negligible compared to the total mass of the tower structure.

[0032] Advantageously, the configuration of the at least one movable mass device relative to the tower can be modified modularly, so that a specialized solution for each tower does not need to be designed but can simply be made to work within the control algorithm.

[0033] Advantageously, the present invention is highly effective at protecting towers over a wide frequency range, typically between 0.5 and 10.0 Hz, and in this regard, the present invention is effective over a wide range rather than being limited to one specific design frequency.

[0034] Advantageously, by precisely controlling the movement of the at least one mass movable by the at least one actuator, it is possible to effectively and simultaneously address all frequencies characteristic of the structure, for example, frequencies within the range of 0.5 to 10.0 Hz.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one linear direction of movement of the at least one mass is at least partly transverse to the axis of extension of the truss support structure. Advantageously, such an arrangement of the movable mass devices is highly effective in damping vibrations of the tower structure, in particular wind-induced vibrations.

[0036] Preferably, the tower comprises two masses capable of linear movement or a mass capable of movement in each of two directions. Preferably, the movement of at least one of the movable masses is controlled in each of two linear directions in mutually perpendicular planes. Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to suppress vibrations along two axes of the tower structure, in particular vibrations caused by wind that may come from different spatial directions.

[0037] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention and from the dependent claims which describe preferred and highly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0038] The invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, which show non-limiting examples.

[0039] In the various figures, like elements are given like reference numerals, and where multiple elements are present in the same figure, for the sake of brevity, only one or some of these elements may be referenced, but the remaining elements are included in the description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a tower with a truss support structure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wind-protected tower according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a further example of a wind-protected tower according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a further example of a wind-protected tower according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a further example of a wind-protected tower according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows a further example of a wind-protected tower according to the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a tower equipped with a first embodiment of a movable mass device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tower equipped with a second embodiment of a movable mass device according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tower equipped with a third embodiment of a movable mass device according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tower equipped with a fourth embodiment of a movable mass device according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tower equipped with a fifth embodiment of a movable mass device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A-10C show further examples of wind-protected towers without trusses according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Figure 1 shows an example of a tower with a truss support structure.

[0042] Generally, a tower has an elongated, upright support structure. The tower's truss support structure is made up of a number of interconnected beams.

[0043] Truss-supported towers are typically made of steel beams and are typically used for communications and broadcasting. For this purpose, towers may be equipped with additional antennas, parabolic dishes, satellite receivers, etc.

[0044] Towers with slender upright support structures are subject to wind load problems. Dynamic loads are introduced by violent winds or when wind currents interact with specific areas of the structure. Strong dynamic loads can loosen bolted connections or weaken beam elements, resulting in fatigue mechanisms, particularly for towers with truss support structures. Strong dynamic loads can also exceed the strength limits of the structural materials or even cause balance instability phenomena between the interconnected beams that make up the truss support structure.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows an example of a wind-protected tower 100.

[0046] The tower 100 has an elongated, upright truss support structure 101. The truss support structure 101 is made up of a number of interconnected beams 102.

[0047] Generally, a tower 100 is subjected to wind loads 10. The tower 100 is equipped with a system according to the present invention for mitigating vibrations / oscillations.

[0048] The tower 100 includes a movable mass unit 103. The tower may include two or more movable mass units 103.

[0049] Generally, the movable mass device 103 includes a housing that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of interconnected beams 102. By "mechanically coupled," it is meant that the housing is mechanically coupled, directly or indirectly, to at least one of the interconnected beams that make up the truss support structure 101.

[0050] Generally, the movable mass device 103 includes at least one mass configured to move in at least one linear direction and at least one actuator configured to controllably move the at least one mass.

[0051] The tower 100 further comprises at least one sensor 104 configured to detect vibrations 20 of the truss support structure 101. For example, the sensor 104 is an accelerometer.

[0052] The tower 100 further comprises at least one control unit 105 (schematically represented in this example by a computer) operatively connected (schematically represented by a dotted arrow) to at least one sensor 104 and said at least one actuator of the movable mass device 103.

[0053] At least one controller 105 is configured to control in real time the inertial movement of said at least one mass of the movable mass device 103 to damp vibrations 20 of the truss support structure 101 .

[0054] Preferably, the at least one control unit 105 is further configured to receive information about the ongoing vibrations 20 in real time and to calculate the inertial movement of said mass of the movable mass device 103 according to a control algorithm.

[0055] Preferably, the linear direction of movement of the at least one mass of the movable mass unit 103 is at least partially transverse to the axis of extension (i.e., longitudinal axis) of the truss support structure 101. In this example, the movable mass unit 103 is illustrated with a right / left arrow that is transverse to the vertical axis of extension of the tower 100.

[0056] Preferably, the tower 100 is of a type that includes at least one communication device 106 at the top of the truss support structure 101 .

[0057] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention.

[0058] Wind 10 impinges on the truss support structure 101 of the tower 100, causing aerodynamic actions 101A around the structure 101 and dynamic actions 101B on the structure 101 itself.

[0059] Thus, the wind 10 generates a load 11 that causes the tower 100 to vibrate 20 .

[0060] The movable mass device 103 is configured to generate an active control force 31 of the inertial type.

[0061] The at least one control unit 105 is configured to calculate the inertial motion of the mass of the movable mass device 103 according to a control algorithm 32 .

[0062] At least one sensor 104 is configured to provide a detected value 33 of the vibration 20 to at least one controller 105 as an input to a control algorithm 32 to determine an active control force 31 in real time.

[0063] Preferably, the system is also capable of performing remote maintenance 34 via a remote connection 201 .

[0064] Preferably, the system is also capable of performing post-processing 35 of the data through a cloud infrastructure 202 .

[0065] Preferably, the qualification module 203 is configured to perform structural health monitoring 36 of the tower 100 through post-processing 35 of the data.

[0066] In one example, the vibrational motion 20 of the structure 101 is measured by at least one accelerometer 104 and the data is processed by at least one controller 105 with an active control algorithm 32. Given the acceleration measurements 33, the at least one controller 105 calculates and controls the reference positions of the active masses present in the inertial actuators to generate stabilizing forces 31 on the structure 101 and to create a damping effect on the dynamic properties of the tower 100.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a further example of a tower 100 having two movable mass devices 103, each configured to move in two linear directions (illustrated by arrows attached to each element) in mutually orthogonal planes.

[0068] The tower 100 further comprises two sensors 104 (specifically, accelerometers), each having a detection axis aligned with the linear direction of each of the two masses of the two movable mass devices 103.

[0069] The system may also incorporate other sensors such as anemometers, temperature sensors, etc.

[0070] In a variant (not shown) of the two movable mass devices 103, a single movable mass device may include masses configured to move in unison in two mutually perpendicular linear directions in a single plane. Preferably, in this variant, the single movable mass device further includes two actuators for movement in each of the two linear directions, i.e., these two actuators act on the single mass of the movable mass device with two-axis control.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows a further example of a tower 100 in which multiple sensors 103, specifically four sensors 104, are attached to a truss support structure 101.

[0072] Preferably, the sensors 104 are positioned at different heights along the extension of the truss support structure 101 .

[0073] 6 and 7 show a further example of a wind protected tower 100 according to a further embodiment.

[0074] In these examples, of the four sensors 104, two are attached to the truss support structure 101 and two are attached to the base of the truss support structure 101, so that they are positioned at different heights.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 6, there is a single movable mass device 103, whereas in the example of FIG. 7, there are two movable mass devices 103, similar to the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5 described above.

[0076] The masses of the two movable mass devices 103 are configured to move in two linear directions (illustrated by arrows attached to each element) on planes that are perpendicular to each other.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a tower 100 equipped with a first embodiment of a movable mass device 103.

[0078] Generally, the movable mass device 103 includes a housing 301 mechanically coupled to a plurality of interconnected beams, which in turn are mechanically coupled to the truss support structure 101.

[0079] Generally, the movable mass device 103 includes at least one mass 302 configured to move in at least one linear direction (illustrated by the arrows in the figures). The at least one mass 302 is movably supported by a housing 301.

[0080] Generally, the movable mass device 103 comprises at least one actuator 303 (shown simply and diagrammatically in the figures), which is configured to controllably move at least one mass 302.

[0081] An actuator 303 that converts energy supplied by a power source into kinetic energy of the inertial mass 302 can be incorporated into the housing 301 as, for example, a rotary motor that drives a ball screw transmission mechanism.

[0082] Alternatively, the actuator 303 may be integrated into the mass 302 itself, for example using a rotary drive and rack and pinion transmission.

[0083] A further alternative is to generate the power required to move mass 302 using interactions between elements located on both housing 301 and linear mass 302, such as occurs in a linear motion electric motor. That is, actuator 303 may include multiple elements in an evenly distributed configuration within movable mass device 103.

[0084] In this example, the plate-like base of the housing 301 is placed on the horizontal deck of the tower 100 .

[0085] Generally, the movable mass device 103 may include a protection case (not shown in this example for simplicity) that at least partially covers the movable mass 302 .

[0086] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a tower 100 equipped with a second embodiment of a movable mass device 103.

[0087] The movable mass device 103 includes a housing 301, at least one mass 302, and at least one actuator 303 in accordance with the foregoing.

[0088] In this example, the plate-like base of the housing 301 is turned over horizontally and fixed vertically to the interconnected beams, and the entire housing 301 is mechanically connected to the truss support structure in its turned-over vertical configuration.

[0089] The housing 301 may be fixed to a horizontal beam or to an upright or angled structural element.

[0090] An advantage of this second embodiment of the movable mass unit 103 is that it frees up some space on the horizontal deck of the tower 100, or allows installation on towers 100 that are too small in size to accommodate a horizontal deck.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tower 100 equipped with a third embodiment of a movable mass device 103, and FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a tower 100 equipped with a fourth embodiment of a movable mass device 103.

[0092] In both examples, there are two movable mass devices 103, as in the examples of FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 described above.

[0093] The masses 302 of the two movable mass devices 103 are configured to move in two linear directions (illustrated by arrows attached to each element) on mutually orthogonal planes. These two linear directions are interpreted as Cartesian directions X and Y, and can effectively suppress vibrational motion in the space of the tower 100 that can be mainly resolved into the directions X and Y.

[0094] Also shown are two respective housings 301, while actuators are not shown for simplicity, but are assumed to be present to controllably move each mass 302.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a tower 100 equipped with a fifth embodiment of a movable mass device 103.

[0096] In this example, as in the examples of Figures 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11 described above, there are two movable mass devices 103.

[0097] The masses 302 of the two movable mass devices 103 are configured to move in two linear directions (illustrated by arrows attached to each element) on planes that are perpendicular to each other.

[0098] Each plate-like base of each housing 301 is turned over horizontally and fixed vertically to the interconnected beams. Each housing 301 is mechanically connected to the truss support structure 101 as a whole in the turned over vertical form.

[0099] From the above, it is clear that the at least one movable mass device 103 can be realized in a number of forms suited to the tower 100, chosen at the design stage taking into account, for example, the mean wind stress, the inertial mass of each movable mass, the number of movable mass devices, the structural configuration of the tower 100, etc.

[0100] Generally, the present invention provides a method for protecting a tower 100 from wind-induced vibrations. The tower 100 has an elongated, upright truss support structure 101 with a plurality of interconnected beams 102.

[0101] In other words, the present invention provides a method for increasing the dynamic damping of a tower 100 subjected to vibrations such as those caused by wind.

[0102] A process is performed in which the tower 100 is provided with at least one movable mass device 103, the movable mass device 103 including a housing 301 mechanically coupled to a plurality of interconnected beams 102, at least one mass 302 capable of movement in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator 303 for controllably moving the at least one mass 302.

[0103] At least one sensor 104 detects vibrations on the truss support structure 101 due to wind.

[0104] A process of controlling the inertial motion of at least one mass 302 in real time to suppress wind-induced vibrations is performed.

[0105] Generally, a method for protecting a tower 100 from wind vibrations is configured to provide a tower 100 according to the above. In other words, the configurations described for the tower 100 are adapted by the corresponding method for protecting a tower according to the present invention.

[0106] In a further variation shown in FIG. 13, a tower 100 ′ may comprise an elongated upright support structure 401 and at least one movable mass device 103 .

[0107] The movable mass device 103 includes a housing 301 mechanically coupled to a support structure 401, at least one mass 302 configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator 303 configured to controllably move the at least one mass 302.

[0108] The tower 100' further comprises at least one sensor 104 configured to detect vibrations of the support structure.

[0109] The tower 100′ further comprises at least one controller 105 operatively connected to the at least one sensor 104 and the at least one actuator 303. The at least one controller 105 is configured to control the inertial motion of the at least one mass 302 in real time to damp vibrations of the support structure 401.

[0110] In other words, in this further variation, the tower 100 ′ has a broad, elongated, upright support structure 401 that is not necessarily a truss support structure 101 .

[0111] In this regard, the broadly defined elongated upright support structure 401 of the tower 100' does not necessarily have to be a plurality of interconnected beams, but may also be at least one pylon of separate tower structural elements, such as steel, reinforced concrete, etc.

[0112] In this further variant, the method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations comprises providing the tower 100' with at least one movable mass device 103 having a housing 301 mechanically coupled to a support structure 401.

[0113] The at least one movable mass device 103 in this case would also be similar to that described above with reference to the truss support structure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to protect the tower from vibrations, especially from wind-induced vibrations.

[0115] The present invention is highly effective in towers having slender upright support structures, particularly towers having steel truss support structures with natural frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 10.0 Hz.

[0116] In general, the present invention is highly effective in structures with low damping, ie, less than 1% of the first vibration mode.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will, upon review of the teachings herein, be able to devise further modifications and variations to meet their fortuitous or particular requirements.

[0118] It will be apparent that the form of a particular component described with reference to one embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments described herein, unless technically incompatible with such form by a person skilled in the art.

[0119] For example, the specific structure of the at least one movable mass device can be configured based on specific requirements and design conditions.

[0120] Therefore, it should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative examples that do not limit the present invention.

Claims

1. A tower having an elongated upright truss support structure (101) with a plurality of interconnected beams (102), at least one movable mass device (103) including a housing (301) mechanically coupled to the plurality of interconnected beams (102), at least one mass (302) configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator (303) configured to controllably move the at least one mass (302); At least one sensor (104) configured to detect vibrations of the truss support structure (101); at least one control unit (105) operatively connected to the at least one sensor (104) and the at least one actuator (303), and configured to control inertial motion of the at least one mass (302) in real time to suppress the vibration of the truss support structure (101); A tower equipped with:

2. 2. The tower of claim 1, wherein the at least one linear direction of movement of the at least one mass (302) is at least partially transverse to the axis of extension of the truss support structure (101).

3. 3. The tower according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tower comprises two movable mass devices (103) configured such that the two masses (302) move in two respective linear directions on mutually orthogonal planes.

4. 3. A tower according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable mass device (103) includes a mass configured to move in unison in two mutually perpendicular linear directions in a single plane, and includes two respective actuators for each of the two linear directions configured to provide two-axis control.

5. A tower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate-like base of the housing (301) rests on a horizontal deck of the tower.

6. 4. The tower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate-like base of the housing (301) is turned over laterally and fixed vertically to the plurality of interconnected beams (102).

7. 7. A tower according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sensor (104) comprises a plurality of sensors attached to the truss support structure (101), preferably attached at different heights along the extension of the truss support structure (101).

8. 8. The tower according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one sensor (104) comprises at least one accelerometer, preferably at least one accelerometer having at least one sensing axis along said at least one linear direction.

9. 9. The tower according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one control unit (105) is further configured to receive information about the vibrations in real time and to calculate the inertial motion according to a control algorithm.

10. 10. The column of claim 1, further comprising: At least one communication device (106) on said truss support structure (101); A tower equipped with:

11. A method for protecting a tower (100) from wind-induced vibrations, the method comprising: providing at least one movable mass device (103) in the tower (100), the movable mass device (103) including a housing (301) mechanically coupled to the plurality of interconnected beams (102), at least one mass (302) movable in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator (303) for controllably moving the at least one mass (302); detecting, by at least one sensor (104), vibrations (20) on said truss support structure (101) due to wind (10); controlling the inertial motion of the at least one mass (302) in real time to suppress the vibrations (20) caused by wind; A method comprising:

12. 12. A method for protecting a tower from wind-induced vibrations according to claim 11, configured to provide a tower according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A tower (100') having an elongated upright support structure (401), at least one movable mass device (103) including a housing (301) mechanically coupled to the support structure (401), at least one mass (302) configured to move in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator (303) configured to controllably move the at least one mass (302); at least one sensor (104) configured to detect vibrations of said support structure (401); at least one control unit (105) operatively connected to the at least one sensor (104) and the at least one actuator (303), and configured to control inertial motion of the at least one mass (302) in real time to damp the vibrations of the support structure (401); A tower (100') comprising:

14. A method for protecting a tower (100') having an elongated upright support structure (401) from wind-induced vibrations, comprising: providing at least one movable mass device (103) in said tower (100'), said movable mass device (103) comprising a housing (301) mechanically coupled to said support structure (401), at least one mass (302) movable in at least one linear direction, and at least one actuator (303) for controllably moving said at least one mass (302); detecting, by at least one sensor (104), vibrations (20) on said support structure (401) due to wind (10); controlling the inertial motion of the at least one mass (302) in real time to suppress the vibrations (20) caused by wind; A method comprising:

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