Wind Tower Segments Braced by Tension Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind energy plant tower arrangements require a large number of tower segments and tensioning means, leading to high material usage and costs, while compromising static stability.
Innovation Solution
A tower arrangement using a minimal number of tower segments, with the uppermost segment as a steel element, braced to a concrete foundation via tension or traction wires, reducing the need for fastening means and maintaining good static properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large number of tower segments and tensioning means are used, then the tower has good static properties, but material usage and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into a minimal number of segments (first tower segment on foundation, second tower segment above it) rather than using many small segments. This segmentation approach maintains structural integrity while reducing the total number of components and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second tower segments are merged into a closely connected structure with minimal spacing. The tensioning wires brace both segments together with the foundation, creating a unified load-bearing system that reduces overall material requirements while maintaining static properties.
2Strength
If a large number of tensioning means are used, then the tower has good static properties, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tensioning functions are merged into a minimal set of tensioning wires that brace both tower segments together with the foundation. This combined bracing system reduces the number of individual connecting elements while maintaining adequate static properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning wires serve multiple functions simultaneously: they brace the first tower segment with the foundation, brace the second tower segment with the foundation, and connect the two tower segments to each other. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of connecting elements needed.
3Reliability
If tower segments are braced together with many connecting elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower uses a minimal segmentation approach with only two main tower segments, reducing the number of connections required compared to designs with many segments. This maintains structural integrity through fewer, more substantial connecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the parameters of the connecting elements by using tensioning wires instead of traditional rigid bracing. This parameter change allows for simpler, more cost-effective construction while maintaining the required structural integrity through tensile bracing.
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 configuration minimizes material usage and costs while maintaining sufficient static stability for supporting a wind energy plant nacelle, with fewer tensioning wires distributing loads evenly, thus enhancing structural integrity and reducing construction expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a number of tension or traction wires braces the concrete foundation with the head flange of the uppermost tower segment under tensile strain
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement with a concrete foundation and a tower for supporting a nacelle of a wind energy plant wherein the tower comprises a number of tower segments which are arranged along a tower axis and at least an uppermost tower segment comprises a head flange and a foot flange, wherein an uppermost tower segment of the number of tower segments is formed as a steel element; and a number of tension or traction wires braces the concrete foundation with the head flange of the uppermost tower segment under tensile stress. A method for erecting a tower for supporting a nacelle of a wind energy plant and to a wind energy plant comprising an arrangement according to the present embodiments.