Internal Auxiliary Pillars for Wind Turbine Tower Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling wind turbine tower sections are complex and costly due to the need for high-strength supporting structures and complex assembly processes, especially when dealing with increasingly larger tower diameters at the base, which require either in-situ concrete construction or prefabricated elements that are difficult to transport and assemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assembly of auxiliary pillars and formwork to create an internal support structure within the tower sections, allowing for the formation of composite steel-concrete connections between metal shell segments, which simplifies the assembly process by providing internal stabilization and accessibility, reducing the need for external cranes and scaffolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If external supporting structures and complex assembly processes are used for assembling wind turbine tower sections, then the tower can be constructed with larger base diameters and greater heights, but the assembly complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary structure is nested inside the tower section, with auxiliary pillars positioned within the hollow interior space of the shell segments. This internal nesting eliminates the need for external scaffolding and supporting structures, reducing assembly complexity while enabling construction of taller towers with larger base diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary structure is divided into multiple auxiliary pillars that are independently positioned within the tower section. These segmented pillars can be assembled separately and then joined together, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the complexity of handling large monolithic supporting structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If external cranes and scaffolding are used for assembling shell segments, then the shell segments can be positioned and joined, but the assembly costs and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external supporting structures to hold the shell segments during assembly, the invention inverts the approach by placing the auxiliary supporting structure inside the tower section. The auxiliary pillars provide internal support during assembly, eliminating the need for heavy external cranes and scaffolding.
3Strength
If complex connecting elements such as pre-stressing tendons and cables are used to join shell segments, then the tower sections can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes more complex and capital intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex connecting elements (pre-stressing tendons, cables, and strands) from the assembly process. Instead, it uses simpler mechanical connecting means such as bolts or welds to join the shell segments, while the auxiliary pillars provide the necessary structural support during assembly.
4Ease of operation
If two supporting structures with attaching lifting mechanisms are used to erect segmented steel tower, then the top section can be carried during installation, but the assembly process becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary structure serves multiple functions: it provides support during assembly, acts as a lifting mechanism for positioning shell segments, and can serve as an internal platform for workers. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external lifting mechanisms and supporting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
It comprises the steps of providing at least two metal shell segments (15) arranged adjacent to each other, forming a column of concrete (40) on at least a joint portion of adjacent shell segments (15), placing a formwork (50) to form said column of concrete (40), assembling a support framework (20) before the step of providing shell segments (15), providing an auxiliary sub-structure (10) internal to the shell segments (15), and an attaching formwork (50) associated both with the internal support framework (20) and to the shell segments (15). The assembling of the internal support framework (20) may be carried out by providing at least a first series of auxiliary pillars (60), joining the auxiliary pillars (60) to each other to form a first auxiliary sub-structure (10) and arranging an attaching formwork (50) attached to said auxiliary pillars (60).