Nested Pre-Assembly of Concrete Wind Turbine Tower Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling wind turbine towers require extensive space and materials for pre-assembly, especially in locations with limited ground space due to the increasing height and weight of turbine components, leading to high costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling decreasing section concrete towers that involves a pre-assembly phase where a first annular section is partially confined within a second annular section, reducing the space needed for pre-assembly and material usage by allowing multiple sections to be assembled in a nested manner, using provisional or definitive joining means to ensure structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional pre-assembly methods are used with sections placed side by side, then each section can be assembled independently, but the surface area required for pre-assembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing smaller tower sections inside larger sections during pre-assembly. Specifically, sections are arranged concentrically where inner sections are positioned within the annular space of outer sections, dramatically reducing the ground footprint required for pre-assembly operations while maintaining independent assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement to a three-dimensional nested configuration. By utilizing vertical and radial spatial dimensions, multiple sections can be pre-assembled simultaneously in a compact footprint, converting a planar layout problem into a volumetric solution
2Stability of the object's composition
If more material is used for ground levelling and compacting, then the stability of the pre-assembly zone improves, but the cost and time of civil works increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement concentrates the pre-assembly activity on a smaller, more stable central zone rather than requiring extensive ground preparation across a large area. The concentric positioning of sections allows them to support each other structurally, reducing the need for additional levelling and compacting materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple pre-assembly operations into a single centralized location. By combining the pre-assembly of multiple sections in one nested configuration rather than separate locations, the total amount of ground preparation material required is significantly reduced while maintaining adequate stability through the mutual support of nested sections
3Power
If tower height is increased to accommodate larger turbines, then the rated power increases, but the complexity of assembly and ground preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tall tower into multiple transportable sections that can be assembled in a nested configuration. This segmentation allows the tower to achieve great height while maintaining manageable assembly complexity, as each section can be handled and pre-assembled independently before being stacked to form the complete tall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The nested pre-assembly configuration simplifies the assembly of tall towers by allowing multiple sections to be prepared simultaneously in a compact footprint. This approach reduces the logistical complexity of handling and positioning individual sections, making the assembly of very tall towers more manageable despite the increased height and weight
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for assembling concrete towers with a decreasing secton for wind turbines which comprises a phase of pre-assembly of concrete tower sections (2,3,2') which allows to reduce the space required during the stage of pre-assembly of the different tower section prior to lifting and the civil work associated to set said space up wherein, during the pre-assembly phase, a first annular section (2) is confined at least partially within the inner space defined by a second annular section (3), the invention also relating to the wind turbine associated to said method of assembly.