Wind Tower Segment Lifting and Release for Precise Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of concrete wind turbine towers is inefficient due to temperature-dependent curing issues of leveling compounds, leading to prolonged downtimes and increased labor and safety risks during the assembly of tower segments, especially at higher altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with fastening elements and a triggering device that automates the connection and disconnection process between the crane and the tower segment, allowing for precise positioning and efficient handling of heavy tower segments, along with a centering mandrel for precise alignment and a heating device to facilitate curing in low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of tower segments is used, then workers can fine-tune the position, but the process is time-consuming and laborious with safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated lifting device that uses a crane-mounted mechanism with adjustable arms and grippers to automatically grasp, lift, and position tower segments. The device includes positioning sensors and control systems that eliminate manual intervention, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning precision through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to autonomously perform positioning operations without requiring workers on the working platform. The automated system self-regulates the lifting, positioning, and placement of tower segments, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning and reducing both time loss and safety risks associated with worker exposure to hazardous conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If workers manually remove carrying loops from tower segments, then the segment can be placed, but the process requires significant personnel and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carrying loops from the tower segment after placement by using the automated lifting device to grasp and pull the loops away from the segmented structure. This separates the removal operation from manual worker intervention, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of personnel required while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device combines multiple functions including lifting, positioning, and carrying loop removal into a single integrated automated system. By merging these operations, the patent reduces assembly complexity as the device performs multiple tasks sequentially without requiring separate manual operations for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If leveling compound is used to align the first tower segment, then precise alignment is achieved, but curing time increases downtime at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical curing process of leveling compound with a mechanical positioning system. The automated lifting device precisely positions and places the first tower segment onto the foundation using controlled mechanical movements and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for leveling compound curing and thereby reducing downtime regardless of temperature conditions.
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 lifting device enhances efficiency and safety by automating the positioning and release of tower segments, reducing manual labor and downtime, while the centering mandrel ensures precise alignment and the heating device accelerates curing, minimizing delays caused by low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device to facilitate curing in low temperatures
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting device, in particular a crossbeam, for lifting a first tower segment of a concrete tower of a wind energy plant by means of a crane, comprising at least one securing means for securing the tower segment to the lifting device and at least one release device for releasing a connection between the lifting device and the tower segment.