Movable Hoisting Module for Telescopic Tower Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for hoisting telescopic towers, such as those for wind turbines, are inefficient and complex, requiring large cranes, multiple pre-installation steps, and specific section alignment, leading to increased costs, time, and risks, especially when dealing with non-parallel tower sections.
Innovation Solution
A movable module with a pre-installed hydraulic jack and hoisting cable, integrated into a single mobile equipment, allows for streamlined hoisting by permanently connecting the cable to the jack, enabling sections to be lifted in any order without the need for frequent cable placement and disconnection, and facilitating efficient movement between sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional crane-based hoisting methods are used for telescopic towers, then the tower sections can be lifted to great heights, but the equipment cost, operational complexity, and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hoisting system is segmented into multiple self-contained movable modules, each capable of independently hoisting one or more tower sections. Each module includes its own hydraulic jack, cable, and control system, allowing parallel hoisting operations across different sections of the tower, thereby reducing overall equipment complexity and installation time while achieving great heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs movable modules that can dynamically reposition themselves along the tower structure during assembly. These modules are not fixed but can be moved to different locations as needed, enabling flexible hoisting operations and reducing the need for large, complex fixed cranes. The modules adapt their position and function based on the current assembly stage.
2Weight of moving object
If large cranes are used to lift heavy generator units to upper tower positions, then the generator can be installed at the required height, but the transportation and setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented across multiple movable modules distributed along the tower, rather than relying on a single large crane. Each module can independently handle heavy loads, and the distributed architecture simplifies transportation and setup as each module is smaller and more manageable than a conventional large crane system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable modules are self-contained units that include their own propulsion, hydraulic systems, and control mechanisms. They can move themselves to required positions and autonomously perform hoisting operations, eliminating the need for complex external crane operations and reducing setup complexity for heavy generator installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic jacks and hoisting cables are separately installed for each tower section, then precise control is achieved, but the operation time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic jack and hoisting cable are merged into a single integrated movable module that moves as one unit. The cable is permanently connected to the jack within the module, eliminating the need for repeated cable placement and disconnection operations. This integration maintains precise hoisting control while dramatically reducing operation time and procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic jack and cable are pre-assembled and permanently connected within the movable module during manufacturing, rather than being installed separately during tower assembly. This preliminary action ensures precise control is built-in from the start, while eliminating time-consuming on-site cable installation and disconnection procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If sections are hoisted in a specific order with inner sections resting on outer sections, then structural support is maintained, but the flexibility in assembly sequence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tower assembly process is segmented into independent operations performed by separate movable modules. Each module can hoist sections independently without requiring a specific sequence, as long as proper support is provided during each individual lifting operation. This segmentation enables flexible assembly sequences while maintaining structural stability through controlled, staged lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is made dynamic through the use of movable modules that can adapt their position and function during assembly. Rather than requiring a fixed hoisting sequence, the system can dynamically adjust which sections are supported and how, providing both structural stability and sequence flexibility simultaneously.
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
This approach significantly reduces operation time, costs, and risks, enabling faster and more efficient tower assembly, allowing for quicker installation and maintenance of wind farms with reduced equipment reuse and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic jack (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a movable module (1) and to a method of hoisting telescopic towers (100), preferably wind turbine towers (101), an ascending section (210) of the tower being hoisted in relation to a supporting section (211) of the tower immediately outside. The movable module (1) preferably comprises at least one hydraulic jack (2); at least one hoisting cable (3) pre-installed through the hydraulic jack and which remains connected to the jack throughout the performance of the method of hoisting the telescopic tower (100); and grouping means (4) arranged at the free end of at least one hoisting cable (3). Advantageously, during hoisting, the movable module (1) is temporarily fixed to the head of the supporting section (211), and the grouping means (4) are temporarily fixed to the base of the ascending section (210).