Detachable Platform System for Concrete Wind Turbine Tower Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly methods for wind turbine concrete towers are expensive, complex, and only useful during the construction stage, with platforms being difficult to install and requiring numerous resources, and they offer little utility during the operational stage.
Innovation Solution
A concrete wind turbine tower with internal, detachable, stackable, and transportable platforms that are anchored to the tower sections, allowing access for assembly and maintenance, and can be pre-assembled and reused, featuring modular design with folding modules and adjustable anchoring elements for efficient assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If platforms are installed inside tower sections to enable assembly operations, then assembly accessibility is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase due to the need for drilling and anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system is divided into multiple detachable platform modules, each corresponding to a tower section. Each module can be independently installed and removed, allowing assembly operations at different heights without requiring a complete platform system installation throughout the entire tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system transitions from a static, permanently installed structure to a dynamic, detachable system. Platforms can be installed temporarily during assembly operations and then removed afterward, adapting to the changing needs of the tower from construction to operational phase.
2Ease of operation
If platforms are permanently installed in tower sections, then assembly operations can be performed, but the platforms become useless after construction and represent wasted resources
Solution Approach 1:
The platform modules are designed to be discarded after their primary assembly function is completed and recovered for reuse in future wind turbine installations. The detachable design allows platforms to be removed from completed towers and transported to new installation sites, eliminating resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform modules are designed as universal components that can be used across different tower sections and different wind turbine installations. A single platform module type can serve multiple purposes and be reused indefinitely, maximizing resource utilization.
3Loss of substance
If detachable platform modules are used, then platforms can be reused reducing cost, but the anchoring system becomes more complex requiring detachable connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is extracted as a separate, removable component from the platform module itself. Anchoring elements can be detached from the platform and removed from the tower section, separating the permanent platform structure from the temporary anchoring mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If multiple platforms are installed to cover all assembly points, then complete assembly coverage is achieved, but the number of platforms and installation resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower assembly process is segmented into discrete operations at different heights, with platform modules deployed only where and when needed. This allows selective installation of platform modules rather than installing a continuous series of platforms throughout the entire tower.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind turbine with a concrete tower wherein the tower comprises a plurality of sections formed by segments a platform system comprising a plurality of platforms, wherein the platform system is configured to allow access to junction areas between sections wherefrom optionally, the execution of joints between adjacent sections may be carried out, the platforms situated inside the tower once erected being detachable, stackable and transportable.