Load Sharing Support Member for Wind Tower Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine tower assembly is limited by the capacity, mobility, and wind rating of cranes, making it difficult to construct taller towers, as larger cranes are expensive and often unavailable, leading to increased costs and downtime due to wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A load sharing support member system that transfers a portion of the lifting load to the partially assembled tower, allowing smaller cranes to lift taller sections by coupling to the tower crane and using tension cables, thereby increasing the lift capacity and wind limit without needing larger cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If larger capacity cranes are used to lift taller tower sections, then the achievable tower height is improved, but the cost and availability of cranes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is segmented into two independent lifting mechanisms: the crane provides primary lifting capacity while the LS support member provides secondary support. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and more affordable while achieving the combined effect of a larger crane system.
Solution Approach 2:
The LS support member acts as an intermediary element between the crane and the tower section being lifted. It transfers a portion of the lifting load from the crane to the partially assembled tower structure, thereby reducing the moment about the tower crane and enabling taller lifts with smaller cranes.
2Power
If larger capacity cranes are used to increase lift capacity, then the tower height capability is improved, but the crane rental cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single crane to provide 100% of the lifting capacity, the system uses partial action from the crane combined with partial action from the LS support member. The crane provides enough capacity to handle the remaining load after the LS support member contributes, allowing the use of a smaller, more affordable crane.
3Length of stationary object
If larger capacity cranes are used to handle higher loads, then the achievable tower height is improved, but the wind rating and mobility of cranes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The LS support member serves as a mediator that stabilizes the lifting operation by providing an additional support path. This reduces the moment about the tower crane, allowing smaller cranes with better wind ratings and mobility to be used while still achieving the required lift capacity for taller towers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the construction of taller wind towers by reducing crane capacity requirements and minimizing downtime due to wind conditions, allowing for heights exceeding current industrial standards without the need for expensive, high-capacity cranes.
Implementation Method 1
the LS support member can reduce the moment about the tower crane as a portion of the vertical load is transferred to the partially assembled wind tower via the LS support member
Implementation Method 2
using tension cables
Data Source
AI summary
Tower erection systems and methods utilizing a load-sharing support member (LS support member) are disclosed. The LS support member can have a first end coupled to a crane tower and a second end configured to repeatably couple to the upper-most tower section of a partially assembled tower stack during assembly. During lifting, a portion of the vertical load is transferred to the partially assembled tower stack.