Load bearing structure for self-erecting assembly tower system

Abstract

Methods and systems for managing loads during assembling or disassembly of a wind turbine component, with a load bearing structure added to the towers. In an embodiment, a system for assembling one or more tower sections, can include a tower base, a tower comprising the one or more tower sections, wherein a first tower section of the one or more tower sections is placed on top of the tower base, and a load bearing structure, wherein the load bearing structure is substantially perpendicular to the tower base. An assembly platform can be configured to place additional tower sections of the one or more tower sections on top of the first tower section and the tower base.

Description

LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE FOR SELF-ERECTING ASSEMBLY TOWERSYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 589,506, entitled “Load Bearing Structure for Self-Erecting Assembly Tower System,” which was filed on October 11 , 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources presently available, and wind turbines have gained increased attention in this regard. Wind turbines are used to convert kinetic energy of wind into electrical power. A modern wind turbine typically includes a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy from wind using airfoil principles and transmit the kinetic energy through rotational energy to turn a main shaft coupling the rotor blades to a gearbox, or if a gearbox is not used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy that may be deployed to a utility grid, stored or used for other local mechanisms. A wind turbine typically includes a substantially large sized rotor (i.e., wheel) coupled to the nacelle disposed on top end of a tower. The nacelle includes a generator for producing electrical power from rotary motion energy produced by the rotor.

[0003] Installation, repair, repowering and decommissioning of such wind turbines requires at least one large sized crane system, which may need to be robust enough for reaching and lifting heavy loads to considerable heights while installing, repairing, repowering or decommissioning the wind turbine. The wind turbine may generally extend several tens of meters above ground level or sea level. Typically, such large sized crane systems are scarce and expensive tomobilize, setup and install at a wind turbine site.

[0004] Wind turbine installation for such large sized power capacity systems may involve traditional crane installation techniques or so-called 'craneless' approaches. FIG. 1A, for example, depicts an image of a traditional crane installation system 10 that includes the use of a crawler crane 12 for installing tower. To the right of image 10 is a pictorial diagram of the crawler crane 12 as it installs tower sections 14 and 16.

[0005] FIG. 1 B, on the other hand, shows an image of a craneless tower grab crane system 18 that includes a tower grab assembly 22 for installing tower sections such as, for example, a tower section 20. An example of the tower grab system 18 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,494,235, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] Another example of a craneless approach is shown in the image depicted in FIG. 1C, which illustrates a tower crane system 30 used for wind turbine installations, next to a wind turbine tower. The tower crane system 30 includes a crane 32 for use in the wind turbine installation process.

[0007] A further example of a craneless installation technique is depicted in FIG. 1 D, which depicts an image of a self-erecting boom crane 46 that runs a climbing tower with modified wind turbine power. The self-erecting boom crane 46 can be used to move a tower section 44 above a tower section 42 as part of the wind turbine installation process.

[0008] Another example of a craneless system is shown in FIG. 1 E, which depicts a rail on a tower with either a conveyor or a crane on a carriage. An example of the approach depicted in FIG. 1E is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,261 ,072, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIG.1 F shows an image of a wind turbine 60 as a nacelle is moved or located on a tower section, and where the nacelle will later pivot atop the wind turbine tower. FIG. 1G depicts an image of components 70 of a wind tower assembly composed by a lower lattice section with a conventional wind turbine tower mounted atop.

[0009] Currently used, conventional technologies use some variation of a method of assembly of wind turbine towers by lifting the components into position with a crane or cranes, or may involve some form of craneless installation system, such as those discussed above.

[0010] With the increase in height and weight of wind turbines and related components, the needs for large size, heavy lift cranes (onshore) and (offshore) heavy-lift or wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV) are ever more present. There is not enough of this large size equipment to supply the world with installation or repair capacity, and this will cause bottlenecks and delays in many farm wind projects.

[0011] In addition, both the costs and time that takes to install this equipment is very high and extensive. There are better installation methods that may allow for parallel installations, saving time and cost to the end user / owner.

[0012] Environmental damage and carbon emission reductions are also issues of great public interest. Our system also aims to reduce the environmental footprint by minimizing both the area utilized and the civil works required at the wind turbine site, as well as the access roads, by using the smallest possible cranes and as few transports loads as possible.

[0013] Operational weather windows are also short, especially in northern locations with colder weather, and having the ability to extend the operational window will allow for more efficient operations with time and cost savings.

[0014] In addition, there are many areas of the world that do not have either the resources or the capacity to obtain this large, heavy equipment, but where it is desired to install large capacity wind turbines. This goal may be unable to be achieved, however, due to the scarcity of installation resources. The present inventors thus propose a solution to the above problems that aims to allow any country, company, or person, to install any wind turbine capacity and size that is desired, utilizing existing, small or medium capacity cranes and fewer resources.BRIEF SUMMARY

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

[0016] It is, therefore, an aspect of the embodiments to provide for an improved wind turbine installation method and system.

[0017] It is another aspect of the embodiments to provide for a method and system for assembling a wind turbine tower.

[0018] It is further aspect of the embodiments to provide for a load bearing structure for a self-erecting assembly tower system for onshore and offshore wind turbines.

[0019] The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein.

[0020] In an embodiment, a system for assembling one or more tower sections, can comprise a tower base; a tower comprising the one or more tower sections, wherein a first tower section of the one or more tower sections is placed on top of the tower base; a load bearing structure, wherein the load bearing structure is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the tower base; and an assembly platform, wherein the assembly platform is configured to place the tower component of the one or more tower sections on top of the first tower section and the tower base.

[0021] In an embodiment, a load placed on the assembly platform is transferred to the ground via the load bearing structure.

[0022] In an embodiment, a load placed on the assembly platform is nottransferred to the one or more tower sections.

[0023] In an embodiment, the load can be a component of a wind turbine.

[0024] In an embodiment, the component of a wind turbine can include, for example, one or more components of a tower section, a nacelle, a hub, a drive train, and wind turbine blades (also referred to simply as 'blades').

[0025] In an embodiment, the load bearing structure is external to a tower.

[0026] In an embodiment, the load bearing structure is internal to a tower.

[0027] In an embodiment, the load bearing structure is fully or partially intercepted to a tower.

[0028] In an embodiment, the assembly platform can include an elevator platform, a lateral displacement carrier, and a counterweight.

[0029] In an embodiment, a method for assembling one or more tower sections, can involve placing a first tower section of the one or more tower sections on top of a tower base, using a load bearing structure attached to the one or more tower sections to transfer a tower component, and using an assembly platform to place the tower component of the one or more tower sections on top of the first tower section and the tower base.

[0030] In an embodiment, a method for transferring a component of the wind turbine, can involve using a load bearing structure with an assembly platform and a detachable rail / rack system to elevate, position, and transfer the component to a tower base.

[0031] An embodiment can further involve transferring at least one component of the wind turbine to a location with the lateral displacement carrier.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present embodiment and, together with the detailed description of the system and method, serve to explain the principles of the present embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of a prior art crane installation system;

[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates an image of a craneless prior art grab system;

[0035] FIG. 1C illustrates an image of a craneless prior art system having a tower crane that is run next to a wind turbine;

[0036] FIG. 1 D illustrates a craneless prior art system that runs a climbing tower with modified wind turbine power;

[0037] FIG. 1 E illustrates a craneless prior art prior art system with a rail located on a tower with either a conveyor or a crane on a carriage;

[0038] FIG. 1 F illustrates an image of a wind turbine nacelle as it is moved or located on a tower section;

[0039] FIG. 1G illustrates an image of some of the components of a wind tower assembly composed by a lower lattice section with a conventional wind turbine tower mounted atop;

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an installation system including an internal load bearing structure, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of an installation system including an external load bearing structure, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of an installation systemincluding a fully or partially intercepted load bearing structure, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0043] FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic diagram of an installation system including a load bearing structure with an assembly platform and a detachable rail / rack system that can be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0044] Like reference numerals in the figures as utilized and discussed herein may refer to identical or similar parts or elements.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0047] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0048] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an example embodiment" and variations thereof as utilized herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase "in another embodiment" or "in another exampleembodiment" and variations thereof as utilized herein may or may not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0049] In general, terminology may be understood, at least in part, from usage in context. For example, terms such as "and," "or," or "and / or" as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend, at least in part, upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the", again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context.

[0050] In addition, the term "based on" may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context. Furthermore, the phrase "at least one" may be understood to convey the meaning "one or more". For example, "at least one widget" may convey the concept of "one or more widgets".

[0051] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an installation system 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The installation system 100 can include a tower 102 composed of one or more tower sections such as a tower section 104, a tower section 106, and a tower section 108. In an embodiment, tower sections 104, 106 and 108 can be supplied by the wind turbine tower manufacturer, and the installation system 100 can be used to install the tower sections and the wind turbine components on location. The tower section 104 can function as a tower bottom section while the tower section 108 can function as a tower top section (or an upper tower section). The tower bottom section 104 can be installed upon atower base 103. The tower section 106 can be a middle or intermediary tower section of the tower 102. Although three tower sections 104, 106, and 108 are shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C, it can be appreciated more than three tower sections may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0052] The tower sections can be configured for assembly for a wind turbine tower using either intermediate flanges on the top and / or bottom of each tower section, in accordance with an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, an intermediate flange 126 can be added to the top of the tower bottom section 104, while an intermediate flange 128 can be added to the bottom of the tower bottom section 104. Similarly, an intermediate flange 124 may be added to the top of the tower section 106. Likewise, an intermediate flange 122 can be added to the top of the tower top section 108. A wind turbine tower can include one or more intermediate flanges on the top and / or bottom of each tower section, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0053] The tower sections can be configured for assembly for a wind turbine tower without intermediate flanges, in accordance with an embodiment. The tower sections without intermediate flanges can have an attachment point or a similar connection to connect the wind turbine tower to a load bearing structure. A wind turbine tower can include no intermediate flanges, in accordance with an embodiment. A wind turbine tower can include no intermediate flanges in a tower section, and / or one or more intermediate flanges on the top and / or bottom of a tower section, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0054] The installation system 100 can be used to transfer loads of platform and components of a wind turbine while assembled to ground support without transferring loads to the wind turbine tower itself. The structure(s) can be installed internally, externally, or fully or partially intercepted by the tower 102. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2A, a load bearing structure 110 is shown as an internal structure, as opposed to an external structure as depicted in FIG. 2B and an intercepted structure as shown in FIG. 2C.

[0055] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of the installation system 100including an external load bearing structure 110, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic diagram of the installation system 100 including an intercepted load bearing structure 110, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic diagram of the installation system 100 including a load bearing structure 110 with an assembly platform 144 and a detachable rail / rack system 148, in accordance with an embodiment. The assembly platform 144 can include an elevator platform 145, a lateral displacement carrier, and a counterweight 147.

[0058] The embodiments described herein can use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) provided tower sections, with the addition of an intermediate flange on the top and bottom of each tower section without permanently modifying existing components or using an OEM existing connection point. An intermediate flange 126 can be added to the top of the tower bottom section 104, while an intermediate flange 128 can be added to the bottom of the tower bottom section 104. Then, a detachable rail / rack system 148 along each tower section can be implemented (FIG. 2D). An interconnector 129 can be added to the intermediate flange 126 to connect to the detachable rail / rack system 148. Similarly, an interconnector 127 can be added to the intermediate flange 128 to connect to the detachable rail / rack system 148.

[0059] By using the installation system 100 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, or FIG. 2D, an OEM tower may not need to be modified or reinforced to carry the structure 110, nor for it to be installed on internal and external positions. Vertical displacement may be achieved by using a rack and pinion system where the rack is in a vertical position connected to the tower 102, and the pinion(s) are in the elevator platform 145 (e.g., as part of a drive system); alternatively, a winch system or a chain and sprocket may be used. In some embodiments, an active counterweight 147 may be needed to maintain the loads vertically into the structure(s) and avoid undesired moments into the main tower. In someembodiments, the load of a component of a wind turbine placed in the lateral displacement carrier, which can be part of the assembly platform 144, may be vertically displaced by the load bearing structure 110 or the detachable rack / rail system 148 with the assembly platform 144 onto the tower base 103.

[0060] The load bearing structure may be located internal to the tower or growing tower. The load bearing structure may be located external to the tower or growing tower. The load bearing structure may be located at a fixed distance from the tower or growing tower. A distance between the load bearing structure and the tower or growing tower may be about O inch to about 50 feet. A distance between the load bearing structure and the tower or growing tower may be about O inch to about 1 foot, about O inch to about 5 feet, about O inch to about 10 feet, about O inch to about 15 feet, about 0 inch to about 20 feet, about 0 inch to about 50 feet, about 1 foot to about 2 feet, about 1 foot to about 5 feet, about 1 foot to about 10 feet, about 1 foot to about 15 feet, about 1 foot to about 20 feet, about 1 foot to about 50 feet, about 2 feet to about 5 feet, about 2 feet to about 10 feet, about 2 feet to about 15 feet, about 2 feet to about 20 feet, about 2 feet to about 50 feet, about 5 feet to about 10 feet, about 5 feet to about 15 feet, about 5 feet to about 20 feet, about 5 feet to about 50 feet, about 10 feet to about 15 feet, about 10 feet to about 20 feet, about 10 feet to about 50 feet, about 15 feet to about 20 feet, about 15 feet to about 50 feet, or about 20 feet to about 50 feet. A distance between the load bearing structure and the tower or growing tower may be about 0 inch, about 1 foot, about 2 feet, about 5 feet, about 10 feet, about 15 feet, about 20 feet, or about 50 feet. A distance between the load bearing structure and the tower or growing tower may be at least about 0 inch, about 1 foot, about 2 feet, about 5 feet, about 10 feet, about 15 feet, or about 20 feet. A distance between the load bearing structure and the tower or growing tower may be at most about 2 feet, about 5 feet, about 10 feet, about 15 feet, about 20 feet, or about 50 feet.

[0061] The embodiments described herein can have their own track system to elevate an internal assembly platform to carry the loads up to a pre-determined height, which once reached, will have a lateral motion to place the load intoposition.

[0062] The lift can be achieved by using a couple of proven oil and gas technology, a rack and pinion system, chain and sprocket or a winch system sized for the load or similar lifting method. In all cases, whether positioned inside, outside and fully or partially intercepted with the tower, the load can be transferred to the custom structural(s) member added to the system 100 as described herein.

[0063] The installation system 100 can be used for continuous vertical motion / displacement while offering a structure(s) system including the load bearing structure 110, which minimizes or reduces any load transfer into the tower 102 itself. The installation system 100 can be used on any load or height capacity. The methods and systems described herein can be used for onshore and offshore applications.

[0064] The load bearing structure may reduce load transfer to the tower by about 5 % to about 100 %. The load bearing structure may reduce load transfer to the tower by about 5 % to about 25 %, about 5 % to about 50 %, about 5 % to about 75 %, about 5 % to about 85 %, about 5 % to about 90 %, about 5 % to about 95 %, about 5 % to about 99 %, about 5 % to about 100 %, about 25 % to about 50 %, about 25 % to about 75 %, about 25 % to about 85 %, about 25 % to about 90 %, about 25 % to about 95 %, about 25 % to about 99 %, about 25 % to about 100 %, about 50 % to about 75 %, about 50 % to about 85 %, about 50 % to about 90 %, about 50 % to about 95 %, about 50 % to about 99 %, about 50 % to about 100 %, about 75 % to about 85 %, about 75 % to about 90 %, about 75 % to about 95 %, about 75 % to about 99 %, about 75 % to about 100 %, about 85 % to about 90 %, about 85 % to about 95 %, about 85 % to about 99 %, about 85 % to about 100 %, about 90 % to about 95 %, about 90 % to about 99 %, about 90 % to about 100 %, about 95 % to about 99 %, about 95 % to about 100 %, or about 99 % to about 100 %. The load bearing structure may reduce load transfer to the tower by about 5 %, about 25 %, about 50 %, about 75 %, about 85 %, about 90 %, about 95 %, about 99 %, or about 100 %. The load bearing structure may reduce load transfer to the tower by at least about 5 %, about 25 %, about50 %, about 75 %, about 85 %, about 90 %, about 95 %, or about 99 %. The load bearing structure may reduce load transfer to the tower by at most about 25 %, about 50 %, about 75 %, about 85 %, about 90 %, about 95 %, about 99 %, or about 100 %.

[0065] The installation system 100 can allow a user to lift any weight to any height, whether onshore or offshore, without the need for large, high reaching, high-capacity cranes, to install a complete wind turbine and / or its components.

[0066] The installation system 100 can be used to install, operate, maintain, repairing, and replace existing wind turbine components without the need for large capacity, long reach cranes and heavy lift barges and can thus soften, or even solve, the problems previously mentioned. The installation system 100 can also increase the operating window by ferrying in components 'inside' the wind turbine tower, avoiding the pendulum effect of doing the same outside, under complicated high wind conditions. The installation system 100 can also increase the weather window by lowering the loading height of the assembly platform. This will also make the lifting operations safer than ever before.

[0067] With the increase in height and weight of wind turbines and related components, the need for large size, heavy lift cranes (onshore) and (offshore) heavy- lift or wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV) is ever more present. There is not enough of this large size equipment to supply the world with installation or repair capacity, and this will cause bottlenecks and delays in many wind farm projects.

[0068] In addition, both the costs and time that takes to install this equipment is very high and extensive. There are better installation methods that may allow for parallel installations, saving time and cost to the end user / owner.

[0069] Environmental damage and carbon emission reductions are also issues of great public interest. The installation system 100 can also reduce the environmental footprint by minimizing the area utilized at the wind turbine site, as well as the access roads, by using the smallest possible cranes and as fewtransport loads as possible.

[0070] Operational weather windows are also short, especially in norther locations with colder weather, and having the ability to extend the operational window will allow for more efficient operations and time savings. The systems and methods described herein can be used in all operational weather windows.

[0071] The installation system 100 can offer a number of different industry applications. In addition to use in installation applications for wind turbine towers and wind turbines for onshore and offshore use, the installation system 100 can be used for installing telecommunications towers, tower cranes, transmission lines or towers, and for use in dam and similar infrastructure construction projects. Other applications for the installation system can include space or aerospace related projects, and any industrial project or activity requiring the lifting of a heaving weight to large heights. Offshore construction and / or repair companies that use lifting and handling systems in their operations will also find the installation system 100 to be a valuable tool in their activities. Furthermore EPIC / EPCI (Engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning) companies will have use for the installation system 100 in their projects.

[0072] There are no limitations to the installation system 100. That is, the installation system 100 can be utilized to lift any loads to any heights. In some embodiments, the installation system 100 can use a guide rail with a winch to perform the lift, or a rack and pinion system, in either design, the analysis of load transfers and proper sizing of components may be a critical aspect.

[0073] Methods and Systems of the present disclosure may be combined with or modified by other methods and / or systems, such as those disclosed in PCT / US23 / 16660, PCT / US23 / 16675, and PCT / US23 / 27689, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] It will be appreciated 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 will also be appreciated thatvarious presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 16 April 2025 (16.04.2025)1. A system for assembling one or more tower sections, comprising: a tower base; a tower comprising the one or more tower sections, wherein a first tower section of the one or more tower sections is placed on top of the tower base; a load bearing structure, wherein the load bearing structure is substantially perpendicular to the tower base; and an assembly platform, wherein the assembly platform is configured to place additional tower sections of the one or more tower sections on top of the first tower section and the tower base.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein a load placed on the assembly platform is transferred to the ground via the load bearing structure.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein a load placed on the assembly platform is not transferred to the one or more tower sections.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the load bearing structure is located in a position that transfers a load to the tower base or below a bottom section of the one or more tower sections.

5. (Withdrawn)6. (Withdrawn)7. The system of claim 4 wherein the assembly platform further comprises: an elevator platform; a lateral displacement carrier; andAMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)a counterweight.

8. A method for assembling one or more tower sections, comprising: providing a system for assembling one or more tower sections, comprising(i) a tower base, (ii) a tower comprising the one or more tower sections, (iii) a load bearing structure, wherein the load bearing structure is substantially perpendicular to the tower base and the tower; using an assembly platform, placing additional tower sections of the one or more tower sections on top of the first tower section and the tower base, wherein a load applied to the assembly platform is transferred to the ground via the load bearing structure.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein a load placed on the assembly platform is transferred to the ground via the load bearing structure.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein a load placed on the assembly platform is not transferred to the one or more tower sections.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the load bearing structure is located in a position that transfers a load to the tower base or below a bottom section of the one or more tower sections.

12. (Withdrawn)13. (Withdrawn)14. The method of claim 7 wherein the assembly platform further comprises: an elevator platform; a lateral displacement carrier; and a counterweight.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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