External Pretensioning System for Wind Turbine Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for pretensioning prestressed concrete towers, such as those in wind power installations, are often expensive, technologically complex, and require high production, assembly, and maintenance costs, with internal pretensioning being difficult to adjust or correct without significant resources and time.
Innovation Solution
A foundation arrangement with an adapter element that allows for easy and cost-effective pretensioning of tensioning elements, featuring a fastening means for anchoring the lower end of the tensioning element and a connection means to secure the adapter element to the foundation, eliminating the need for a foundation basement and enabling flexible internal or external tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal pretensioning is used with concreted-in sleeves, then the tower can be pretensioned, but the structure becomes complex and costly with high production and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensioning elements from the concrete structure itself and places them externally on the tower surface. Instead of embedding sleeves and anchors within the concrete, the tensioning elements are applied externally with anchors that attach to the tower wall, significantly simplifying the construction process while maintaining pretensioning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary system consisting of external anchors and tensioning elements that mediate between the tower structure and the pretensioning force. This intermediary approach avoids the complexity of internal concreted-in sleeves while providing reliable force transmission to pretension the tower segments
2Reliability
If internal pretensioning with concreted-in sleeves is used, then the tower can be pretensioned, but adjustment and correction become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic, adjustable pretensioning system where external tensioning elements can be easily modified, repositioned, or replaced. Unlike fixed concreted-in sleeves, the external tensioning system allows for adjustments during installation and maintenance, providing flexibility and ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pretensioning system into separate, independent components (external anchors, tensioning elements, and mounting hardware) that can be individually adjusted or replaced. This modular approach enables easy maintenance and correction without requiring extensive reconstruction
3Reliability
If conventional foundation arrangements are used, then the tower can be supported, but production and assembly costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs simpler, more cost-effective foundation components that prioritize functionality over permanence. The external tensioning system uses readily available materials and standardized components that reduce production costs while providing sufficient support reliability for the tower structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for pretensioning a tower of a wind power installation, comprising the steps: providing a tensioning device having an adapter element and/or a foundation arrangement and a tensioning element, and/or an adapter element and/or a foundation arrangement, fastening a lower end of a tensioning element a fastening means of the adapter element, fastening an upper end of a tensioning element to an upper end of the tower, tensioning the tensioning element at the lower end of the tensioning element and/or at the upper end of the tensioning element, wherein the tensioning of the tensioning element is effected by reduction of a clearance between the foundation and the adapter element.