Wind Tower Section Jacking Assembly Under Dynamic Wind Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling large structures, such as elongate towers of wind turbine installations, are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the use of conventional crane systems that are vulnerable to dynamic wind loads and structural limitations, leading to labor-intensive and costly construction processes.
Innovation Solution
A handling system comprising a plurality of interfacing elements and a jacking arrangement with independent and synchronous jacking devices that allow for the radial and vertical movement of structure sections, enabling a bottom-up, sequential erection process without the need for deconstruction or significant rearrangement of the handling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crane systems are used to assemble large structures, then the structure sections can be lifted and positioned, but the system becomes vulnerable to dynamic wind loads and structural limitations at significant heights
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system is divided into multiple independent jacking devices (e.g., four jacking devices) that operate independently to lift and position structure sections. Each jacking device functions as a separate unit, reducing the impact of wind loads on the entire system and eliminating the single-point failure risk of traditional cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical crane lifting to a combination of radial movement (horizontal plane) and vertical jacking motion. The jacking devices move radially inward to engage structure sections, then lift vertically, and finally move radially outward to disengage, creating a multi-dimensional handling approach that reduces wind load vulnerability.
2Productivity
If conventional crane systems are used for assembling large structures, then sections can be positioned, but the construction process becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The jacking devices are equipped with automatic engagement and disengagement mechanisms that interact with corresponding features on the structure sections. The system performs much of the positioning and handling work automatically, reducing the need for manual labor and decreasing construction costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical crane systems with a sophisticated jacking mechanism that uses controlled radial movement and vertical jacking forces. This substitution enables more precise and efficient handling of structure sections, improving assembly productivity while reducing labor requirements.
3Productivity
If crane systems are arranged around the foundation or self-climbing cranes are used, then structure assembly can proceed, but the systems require significant rearrangement or deconstruction for successive sections
Solution Approach 1:
The jacking devices are designed as universal handling units that can engage and handle multiple successive structure sections without requiring rearrangement or deconstruction. Each jacking device is equipped with interfaces that work with standard features on all sections, enabling continuous assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The jacking devices are pre-positioned around the foundation in optimal locations before construction begins. This preliminary arrangement allows them to handle successive structure sections sequentially as the tower grows in height, eliminating the need for mid-construction system rearrangements or deconstruction.
4Reliability
If conventional crane systems are used, then structure sections can be lifted, but safety risks increase due to vulnerability to wind loads and structural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The crane system is divided into multiple independent jacking devices (e.g., four jacking devices) that operate independently to lift and position structure sections. Each jacking device functions as a separate unit, reducing the impact of wind loads on the entire system and eliminating the single-point failure risk of traditional cranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical crane lifting to a combination of radial movement (horizontal plane) and vertical jacking motion. The jacking devices move radially inward to engage structure sections, then lift vertically, and finally move radially outward to disengage, creating a multi-dimensional handling approach that reduces wind load vulnerability.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling system for assembling an elongate structure such as a wind tower from a plurality of sections thereof along a vertical axis, and methods for erecting said structure and aligning sections thereof. The handling system comprises a plurality of spaced apart interfacing elements for engaging a section to be handled and a jacking arrangement for moving the interfacing elements radially and vertically.