Nested Frusto-Conical Tower Sections for Crane-Free Erection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of wind towers is limited by increasing costs and crane height constraints, which restrict the practical altitude of wind turbines, leading to decreased net revenue and limited tower height due to faster cost escalation compared to income generation potential.
Innovation Solution
A tower lifting system comprising a primary and secondary lifting system, utilizing a lift cap and lift pole with hoists to lift frusto-conical tower sections from within a nested arrangement, allowing for assembly without external cranes, enabling taller tower construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wind tower height is increased to place wind turbine at higher altitudes for improved energy generation, then wind velocity and consistency increase leading to more electrical energy production, but construction costs and transportation costs increase at a faster rate than income generating potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple tower sections inside one another in a nested arrangement at the base of the tower structure. Each frusto-conical tower section is nested within the previous section, creating a compact storage configuration that reduces transportation costs and enables taller towers without proportionally increasing construction expenses.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wind tower height is increased to improve energy generation, then more electrical energy can be produced, but crane height limitations restrict the practical altitude of wind turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nesting of tower sections within one another, allowing the tower to be constructed in a compact form at the base and then erected vertically by lifting each section into place. This nesting approach eliminates the need for extremely tall cranes, as the sections are assembled from a compact nested arrangement rather than being lifted as a complete tall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the wind tower into multiple frusto-conical sections that can be manufactured separately, transported in a nested arrangement, and then assembled vertically. This segmentation allows the tower to achieve great height without requiring a single enormous crane, as each section is lifted and secured to the growing tower structure incrementally.
3Length of moving object
If traditional external lifting systems are used to erect tall towers, then tower sections can be lifted into position, but the cost and complexity of large external lifting systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the tower structure itself with lifting capabilities. Hoists are mounted on previously erected tower sections, and these hoists lift subsequent tower sections into place. The tower structure serves its own erection needs, eliminating the requirement for separate large external lifting systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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 without the need for large external lifting systems, increasing wind turbine altitude for improved energy generation while reducing construction costs, thus overcoming crane height limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a floatation lifting system disposed within the tank. The floatation lifting system includes a floatation device configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section when water is pumped into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Tower erecting systems and methods are disclosed. An example method for erecting a tower includes: nesting frusto-conical tower sections within one another and within a frusto-conical tower base; securing the frusto-conical tower base to a tower foundation; lifting each frusto-conical tower section from within the frusto-conical tower base with a lifting apparatus; and securing each frusto-conical tower section to the frusto-conical tower base or to a previously lifted frusto-conical tower section.