Modular Supply Scaffold for Wind Turbine Tower Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for tower internals in wind turbine towers restrict their use during erection and operation, often requiring complete tower construction before internals can be utilized, hindering the erection process and being a hindrance to the tower's operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular supply framework with interconnected framework modules, including a base module and core modules, allows for the operational use of tower internals during erection, providing a self-supporting structure that can be adapted to the tower's height, eliminating the need for hanging attachments and reducing the requirement for external cranes and platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If internal tower components are attached to the tower wall or suspended from the upper end, then the tower structure is simplified, but the components cannot be used during construction and hinder tower erection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The service scaffold is divided into multiple detachable scaffold modules that can be individually assembled and disassembled. Each module can be independently positioned and connected, allowing the structure to be built incrementally during tower erection without interfering with construction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The service scaffold transitions from a static attached structure to a dynamic, mobile platform that can be repositioned vertically along the tower as construction progresses. The detachable modules allow the scaffold to adapt its configuration and position during different phases of tower erection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If internal tower components are installed after complete tower erection, then the tower structure can be fully constructed first, but construction time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The service scaffold modules are prepared and positioned in advance during tower erection, allowing construction workers to access elevated sections simultaneously with tower assembly. This preliminary positioning of service structures eliminates the need for separate post-erection installation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The service scaffold enables continuous construction operations by providing ongoing access and support functions throughout the tower erection process. Rather than interrupting construction for later installation of service components, the scaffold maintains continuous utility during the entire erection sequence.
3Ease of operation
If a service scaffold is suspended from the upper end of the tower, then the scaffold can be positioned inside the tower, but it requires complete tower erection first and cannot be used during construction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suspending the service scaffold from the completed upper tower end, the invention inverts the approach by building the scaffold upward from the base platform during tower erection. The detachable modules are assembled from below, allowing the scaffold to grow concurrently with the tower structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The service scaffold modules are installed in advance during tower erection rather than after completion. By positioning and assembling the detachable modules progressively as the tower rises, the scaffold is ready for use before tower construction is finished, eliminating delays.
4Force
If external cranes and platforms are used for tower construction, then sufficient lifting capacity is provided, but equipment requirements and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service scaffold modules are designed to be self-supporting and self-assembling during tower erection. The detachable modules can be connected and positioned using the tower's own structure and previously installed components, reducing or eliminating the need for external cranes and heavy lifting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the service scaffold function from the tower wall attachment system and creates an independent, detachable module structure. This separate modular system eliminates the need for complex external support equipment by making the scaffold self-sufficient during assembly and operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supply scaffold for arranging in the interior of a tower, in particular in the interior of a tower of a wind turbine, and to a scaffold module for such a supply scaffold and also to a tower having such a supply scaffold and to a wind turbine having a tower with such a supply scaffold. The invention further relates to a method for erecting and/or operating a supply scaffold and to a method for erecting a tower. The supply scaffold comprises a plurality of interconnected scaffold modules arranged above one another, wherein, in the operating state of the supply scaffold, a first scaffold module is designed as a bottom module which is arranged standing on a bottom, in particular a bottom of the tower or of a base platform of the tower, and wherein a further scaffold module is designed as a core module which is arranged on the bottom module.