Concrete Wind Turbine Tower Assembly Procedure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in constructing tall wind turbine towers due to issues like vibrations and fatigue, which hinder the development of higher structures, and existing methods for assembling concrete towers are not financially or technically viable for large-scale implementation.
Innovation Solution
A structured and phased assembly procedure for concrete wind turbine towers, involving pre-assembly and erection cycles, where each tower section is composed of multiple segments, allowing for flexible segment composition based on height, with specific stages for transport, positioning, and joint filling, utilizing stabilizing struts and cranes for precise placement and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional steel towers are used, then height can be achieved, but vibrations and fatigue occur which hinder further height development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining concrete segments with steel reinforcement elements and connection systems. The concrete segments provide mass and damping properties to reduce vibrations, while the steel connection elements provide the necessary strength and flexibility to handle fatigue loads, creating a composite structure that overcomes the limitations of pure steel or pure concrete towers
Solution Approach 2:
The tower is divided into multiple precast concrete segments that are assembled in sections. This segmentation allows for modular construction, reduces the overall weight compared to a solid steel tower of equivalent height, and enables the structure to better distribute and absorb vibrational stresses through the segmented design
2Productivity
If concrete towers with precast parts are constructed, then cost and time viability improve, but mechanical resistance and assembly feasibility must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete segments are precast in controlled factory environments before assembly, allowing for quality control and preliminary strength development. The segments arrive at the construction site ready for assembly, eliminating the need for on-site concrete pouring and curing, which significantly improves productivity while ensuring consistent mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes post-tensioning technology where steel tendons are tensioned after assembly to create compressive forces that enhance the mechanical resistance of the concrete segments. This parameter change (applying compressive stress) transforms the structural behavior of the concrete, allowing it to better resist tensile loads and vibrations
3Ease of operation
If tower sections are divided into multiple segments, then transportation and assembly become feasible, but the complexity of joining segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specialized connection elements and grout materials as intermediaries between the concrete segments. These intermediary components facilitate the joining process by providing a controlled interface that simplifies the connection procedure while ensuring structural integrity, reducing the overall complexity of assembling multiple segments
Data Source
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AI summary
Structure and procedure for erecting concrete towers used in wind turbines in which said towers consist of sections (4) which in turn may each comprise a different number of segments(1) or longitudinal sections. The procedure includes two differentiated cycles, which may take place alongside each other: the pre-assembly of each section of tower and their assembly. The sections may be pre-mounted on bases (5) placed on the ground, with the segment in turn fitted with the help of struts (2) and mechanical jacks (3). This procedure is extremely versatile in that it makes the best logistic use of the material, resources and requisite assembly times since the assembly procedures for each section can be developed alongside each other in the different wind farm towers, and also greater heights can be achieved than is traditionally possible.