Segmented Concrete Wind Tower with Grouted Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of steel towers above 60-70 m in height poses a challenge for economically supporting wind turbines that require heights of 100-120 m or more for optimal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tower construction method using a foundation with lower and upper staves connected by poured-in-place concrete or grouted joints, along with monostrand tendons for compression, to provide structural support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel towers are used to support wind turbines above 60-70 m height, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple discrete staves (segments) that are assembled vertically. Each stave is a separate structural element that can be manufactured and transported independently, then stacked to achieve the required height. This segmentation allows for cost-effective construction by using standardized, modular units rather than continuous steel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower employs composite construction combining concrete staves with steel reinforcement and grout joints. The staves themselves are composite structures integrating concrete and steel elements, creating a hybrid material system that provides the necessary strength at reduced cost compared to all-steel construction.
2Productivity
If tower height is increased to 100-120 m or more for optimal wind turbine efficiency, then energy generation efficiency improves, but structural cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple discrete staves (segments) that are assembled vertically. Each stave is a separate structural element that can be manufactured and transported independently, then stacked to achieve the required height. This segmentation allows for cost-effective construction by using standardized, modular units rather than continuous steel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The staves are pre-assembled into tower sections on the ground before being transported and erected to final height. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control, precision work, and preparation of connection details in a controlled environment, reducing on-site construction complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If poured-in-place concrete or grouted joints are used between upper staves, then structural integrity and stability are ensured, but construction time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The staves are pre-assembled into tower sections on the ground before being transported and erected to final height. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control, precision work, and preparation of connection details in a controlled environment, reducing on-site construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Grout is used as an intermediary material in the joints between staves to ensure structural integrity. The grout fills gaps and bonds the concrete staves together, providing the necessary structural connection while accommodating slight variations in stave dimensions and alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention broadly comprises a tower and a method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where one embodiment of apparatus includes a foundation, a plurality of lower staves located on the foundation, and a plurality of upper staves located above the lower staves, the upper staves having a poured in place concrete or grout joint between each adjacent upper stave.