Segmented Wind Turbine Tower Base Using Tension Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection between the tower and foundation of wind turbines is inefficient, requiring multiple steel flange connections and not effectively utilizing the structural properties of concrete segments, leading to increased material costs and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design featuring a tower base with a conical segment and anchor ring cast into the foundation, using tension rods to brace precast concrete segments together, eliminating the need for steel flange connections and allowing for larger diameter segments, thereby enhancing structural support and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel flange connections are used to connect the tower and foundation, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the material costs increase and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower base is divided into multiple cast concrete segments that are assembled together using tension rods. This segmentation allows for simplified construction while maintaining structural strength, replacing the need for complex steel flange connections with a modular concrete segment approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining cast concrete segments with steel tension rods to create a hybrid structure. The concrete segments provide compression resistance while the steel tension rods provide tensile strength, achieving connection strength comparable to steel flanges but with reduced complexity and material costs.
2Reliability
If multiple steel flange connections are used, then the connection is robust, but the number of components increases and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate steel flange connections are merged into a unified cast concrete segment structure with integrated tension rod connections. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining connection reliability through the monolithic nature of the cast concrete segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete segments are pre-cast with integrated connection features (such as embedded steel elements or matching surfaces) before assembly. This preliminary preparation reduces the number of field assembly steps and components needed, while ensuring reliable connections through factory-controlled quality.
3Area of stationary object
If the outer diameter of the lower tower segment is increased to provide larger support surface, then the support surface area increases, but the tower segment dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the tower segment diameter in one dimension, the invention extends the support surface area into the foundation depth dimension. The cast concrete segments are embedded into the foundation, providing increased support area through vertical embedding rather than horizontal expansion, thus maintaining compact tower segment dimensions.
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 design improves the connection between the tower and foundation by reducing material costs, simplifying assembly, and increasing the support surface without altering the outer diameter of the lower tower segment, while providing a fireproof bulkhead for critical components.
Implementation Method 1
The segments are tensioned by means of tensioning devices (e.g., tensioning cables, tensioning strands)
Implementation Method 2
a lower tower segment of the tower is braced together with the segments of the tower base via tensioning elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a wind turbine comprising a foundation (500) and a tower (102) which is arranged on the foundation (500) and includes a plurality of tower segments (102a). The foundation (500) includes a tower base (200) that is cast at least in part into the foundation (500). The tower base (200) has at least two segments (260, 240, 230, 220), and a bottom tower segment (102a) of the tower is braced with the segments (260, 240, 230, 220) of the tower base (200) in particular by means of tightening rods (300).