Suspended Lattice Supply Frame for Wind Turbine Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for wind power towers face challenges in creating a stable and cost-effective supply framework that can be easily assembled and manufactured, while also protecting internal fittings from environmental influences and ensuring accessibility for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting supply framework with a lattice structure made of prefabricated concrete parts, which is not inherently buckling-resistant, is suspended from the upper precast concrete part, providing stability through tensile forces and allowing for easy assembly and material-saving production, with features like a framework-like lattice structure, modular components, and a fastening device that includes brackets and struts for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support tube design is used for the supply framework, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to required pressure supports and tie rods
Solution Approach 1:
The supply framework is divided into multiple supply framework modules (first module, second module, etc.) that can be assembled sequentially. Each module contains standardized components like corner posts, cross braces, and diagonal reinforcements, allowing the structure to achieve stability through modular assembly rather than requiring complex continuous support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of building the support tube from the bottom up with pressure supports against the tower wall, the framework is assembled from individual modules that connect to each other through corner posts and braces, inverting the traditional support approach and eliminating the need for tie rods and pressure supports.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a buckling-resistant lattice structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure is designed to be stable during operation under payload conditions rather than requiring inherent buckling resistance during assembly. The diagonal reinforcements and cross braces provide sufficient stability once the module is installed and loaded, allowing for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing of the individual components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate attachments and pressure supports are added for stabilization, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and material efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The corner posts integrate multiple functions: they serve as vertical supports, connection points for cross braces and diagonal reinforcements, and attachment points for tower internals. This merging of functions into unified components eliminates the need for separate intermediate attachments and pressure supports, simplifying assembly while maintaining stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the supply framework is designed as a continuous support tube, then stability is improved, but adaptability for arranging tower internals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous support tube is segmented into discrete modular units with standardized corner posts and connection points. This segmentation allows tower internals to be attached at multiple locations along the framework while maintaining overall structural stability, providing adaptability without sacrificing strength.
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
The solution achieves high stability for tower internal installations without additional stabilization, facilitates easy assembly and maintenance, and allows for cost-effective production, while ensuring the internal components are protected and accessible, with the framework also providing electrical grounding.
Implementation Method 1
The supply framework with the tower interior structures is stabilized during operation by its own weight and the payload only by tensile forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A supply frame (13) for a tower (1), in particular a wind turbine tower made of annular or annular-segment-shaped prefabricated concrete parts (5), which supply frame (13) supports tower internal structures (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), in particular a ladder (7), a lift arrangement (8), cable arrangements (10), platforms and lighting units (9), can be arranged in the interior of the tower (1) and extends essentially over the entire height of the tower (1). The supply frame (13) is composed of a plurality of supply frame modules (13a) which are arranged one on top of the other and connected to one another, and said supply frame (13) forms a self-supporting unit which can be attached in a suspended fashion from an upper prefabricated concrete part (5, 5a, 5b) of the tower (1). The supply frame (13) has a framework-like grid structure which preferably is stable in terms of bending under its own weight and under payload and which is stabilized by tensile forces from its own weight and the payload. A tower (1), in particular a wind turbine tower made of annular or annular-segment-shaped prefabricated concrete parts (5) has a corresponding supply frame (13) in its interior. In a method for erecting a supply frame (13) in the interior of a tower (1), a plurality of supply frame modules (13a) are arranged one on top of the other and connected to one another to form a self-supporting unit which has a framework-like grid structure which is not stable in terms of bending under its own weight and under payload. The supply frame (13) is attached in a suspended fashion from an upper prefabricated concrete part (5) of the tower (1) and is stabilized during operation by tensile forces from its own weight and the payload.