EP4731894A1 - Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine - Google Patents

Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine

Info

Publication number
EP4731894A1
EP4731894A1 EP24735987.0A EP24735987A EP4731894A1 EP 4731894 A1 EP4731894 A1 EP 4731894A1 EP 24735987 A EP24735987 A EP 24735987A EP 4731894 A1 EP4731894 A1 EP 4731894A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tower
height
post
tensioning element
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24735987.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Iván García
Fernando Varela
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nordex Energy Spain SA
Original Assignee
Nordex Energy Spain SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nordex Energy Spain SA filed Critical Nordex Energy Spain SA
Publication of EP4731894A1 publication Critical patent/EP4731894A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F03D13/201—Towers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/16—Prestressed structures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
    • F03D80/80—Arrangement of components within nacelles or towers
    • F03D80/88—Arrangement of components within nacelles or towers of mechanical components
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/728—Onshore wind turbines

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine that maintains the distance between the interior wall of the tower and the post-tensioning element even if the tower suffers a bending moment due to lateral loads, to a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine comprising the retaining device and at least one post-tensioning element and the tower of a wind turbine comprising the post-tensioning system, and to a method of retaining a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine.

Description

RETAINING DEVICE OF A POST-TENSIONING ELEMENT OF A POSTTENSIONING SYSTEM OF A TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE, GUIDING SYSTEM OF A TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE, TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF POST-TENSIONING A TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE
DESCRIPTION
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine that maintains the distance between the interior wall of the tower and the post-tensioning element even if the tower suffers a bending moment due to lateral loads.
The invention also relates to a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine comprising the retaining device and at least one post-tensioning element and the tower of a wind turbine comprising the post-tensioning system.
Also, the invention relates to a method of retaining a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Concrete towers of wind turbines, and concrete parts of hybrid towers, preferably made of steel and concrete, are commonly provided with a post-tension system (e.g., cables, tendons, wires, strands...) in order to ensure that the concrete is under compression stresses during the most of the wind turbine lifetime. That is, in order to avoid undesirable tension stresses in the structure that would lead to excessive cracks in concrete and fatigue in reinforcements.
Commonly, the post-tensioning elements (e.g., tendons) are uniformly distributed along the tower perimeter, so that the resultant post-tension force falls approximately in the central axis of the tower, avoiding in this way eccentric forces due to the post-tension system.
Wind industry standards and guidelines usually require a minimum amount of post-tension so that no decompression occurs in concrete under Quasi-permanent load level. This load level (also known as D3 or S3 load level, depending on the guideline) is the one that is only exceeded during 1% of the wind turbine lifetime. That is, by applying the minimum post-tension force required by guidelines, it is ensured that the structure will be subjected only to compressive stresses during the 99% of the wind turbine lifetime.
The post-tensioning elements (e.g., tendons) are usually located in the interior space of the tower, spanning from the foundation to an adapter disposed below the steel sections in case of a hybrid tower or below the nacelle in case of a full-concrete tower. Both ends of the post-tensioning elements are fixed in the foundation and adapter respectively.
However, due to the fact that the wind does not actually blow with the same intensity in every direction, the load level related to a probability of exceedance of 1% is not the same in every direction, resulting in asymmetrical loads on the full concrete tower or a concrete part of a hybrid tower. This can lead to collapse of the tower in case of extreme winds.
With the current wind turbine towers, the tower suffers a bending moment due to lateral loads, leading to a displacement of the tensioning element with regard to their position for which they have been designed. The retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine of the present invention solves all the above-mentioned drawbacks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine, wherein the tower comprises:
- a central vertical axis;
- an inner wall which defines an internal space inside the tower;
- a lower end which comprises a lower surface and partially the inner wall;
- an upper end which comprises an upper surface and partially the inner wall;
- at least one post-tensioning element located in the internal space inside the tower;
- a tower height measured along the central vertical axis of the tower, from the lower surface to the upper surface when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the retaining device comprises:
- a housing device configured to house, at least partially, the at least one posttensioning element in the internal space at a first distance from the inner wall of the tower; and
- anchoring means configured to anchor the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along the tower height.
The retaining device so constituted allows to restrict the relative displacement of the post-tensioning element with respect to the inner wall of the tower. So, the distance between the tower wall and the post-tensioning device is maintained even if the tower suffers a bending due to lateral loads.
Optionally, the retaining device further comprises a first centering element disposed in the housing device and configured to be disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element and the housing device.
The first centering element is configured to maintain the at least one posttensioning element centred in the housing device of the retaining device against tower flexion by limiting the at least one post-tensioning element displacement within the housing device.
So, it is possible to dispose the first centering element with the post-tensioning element during the lifting of the post-tensioning element for being allocated in the housing device.
Optionally, the retaining device is also configured to adjust the first distance between the at least one post-tensioning element and the inner wall of the tower. In case, it would be necessary to modify the distance between the at least one post-tensioning element and the inner wall of the tower, it is not necessary to modify the geometry of the tower nor that of the post-tensioning element.
Optionally, the retaining device is also configured to adjust a position of the at least one post-tensioning element with regards to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction. In case that the circumferential position of the post-tensioning element must be modified, it is only necessary to act on the retaining device to adjust the position of the at least one post-tensioning element with regards to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction, preferably displacing the housing means with regard to the anchoring means and/or the centering element with regards to the housing means and/or modifying the geometry of the first centering element.
Optionally, the anchoring means comprise at least a plate, preferably two plates, configured to be anchored to the inner wall of the tower.
Optionally, the retaining device further comprising joining means configured to join the housing device to the anchoring device. Preferably, the joining means comprise vertical walls, preferably two, each one of them joined to a plate of the anchoring means. Preferably, the vertical walls are symmetrical with regard to a radial direction of the tower. Also preferably, the vertical walls are asymmetrical with regard to a radial direction of the tower.
Optionally, the first distance from the inner wall of the tower to the at least one post-tensioning element is between 0,05m and 0,5m, preferably between 0,09m and 0,30m, in a radial direction of the tower.
Optionally, the first height is in a central third along the tower height.
Optionally, a ratio between the first height and the tower height (TH) is between 0,5 and 0,6, preferably between 0,53 and 0,57.
The invention also relates to a guiding system of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine comprising the retaining device described above.
Optionally, when the upper end of the tower further comprises:
- at least a through hole from the upper surface of the upper end to the inner wall of the upper end, configured to, at least partially, house the at least one post-tensioning element; the guiding system further comprises a second centering element disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element and the through hole at a second height along the tower height.
This second centering element allows to orientate the post-tensioning element in the upper part of the tower.
Optionally, a ratio between the second height and the tower height is between 0,97 and 0,999, more preferably between 0,98 and 0,9.
Optionally, the guiding system further comprises at least a protrusion extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower, wherein, in use, the at least one post-tensioning element is abutted. Preferably, the at least one protrusion extends circumferentially along the inner wall of the tower. More preferably, the at least one protrusion is located at a third height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0,85 and 0,95, preferably between 0,87 and 0,93.
Optionally, the at least a protrusion comprises a gap, preferably a gap formed in a vertical joint between adjacent concrete segments when the concrete section comprises at least two concrete segments.
Optionally, the guiding system further comprises a resting plate configured to be disposed covering the gap of the protrusion.
So configured, if the at least one post-tensioning element falls in the gap of the protrusion between the at least two concrete segments at the third height along the tower height, damages in the at least one post-tensioning element are avoided.
The invention also relates to a tower of a wind turbine comprising:
- a central vertical axis; - an inner wall which defines an internal space inside the tower;
- a lower end which comprises a lower surface and partially the inner wall;
- an upper end which comprises an upper surface and partially the inner wall;
- at least one post-tensioning element located in the internal space inside the tower;
- a tower height measured along the central vertical axis of the tower, from the lower surface to the upper surface when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the tower further comprises the guiding system described above.
Optionally, the tower comprises a plurality of guiding systems as described above, wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction at the first height along the tower height.
Optionally, the tower further comprises at least a first concrete section which in turn comprises at least two concrete segments.
Preferably, the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the at least two concrete segments in the same circumferential position in the circumferential direction at the first height along the tower height, in each one of the at least two concrete segments.
Optionally, the upper end of the tower is a second concrete section comprising at least two concrete segments, the tower further comprising the guiding system described above in each one of the at least two concrete segments of the second concrete section.
Optionally, the at least one post-tensioning element forms an angle between 1 ,3s and 1 .5e with the central vertical axis at a third height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0 and 0,92 and an angle between 0e and 1 ,5e with the central vertical axis at a fourth height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the fourth height and the tower height is between 0,88 and 1 .
The invention also relates to a retaining method of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine as described above, wherein method comprises:
- a step of housing at least partially the at least one post-tensioning element in the internal space at a first distance from the inner wall of tower; and
- a step of anchoring the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along the tower height.
Optionally, the method further comprising:
- a step of centering the at least one post-tensioning element in the housing device.
Optionally, the method further comprises
- a step of housing the at least one post-tensioning element in a through hole from the upper surface of the upper end to the inner wall of the upper end; and
- a step of centering the at least one post-tensioning element in the through-hole at a second height along the tower height.
Optionally, the method further comprises:
- a step of abutting the at least one post-tensioning element in at least a protrusion extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower at a third height along the tower height.
Optionally, the step of anchoring the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along the tower height comprises a step of anchoring the housing device to the inner wall of a concrete segment of the tower section before a step of lifting the concrete segment of the tower section to its position in height along the tower.
Optionally, the method comprises a step of lifting the at least one post-tensioning element along the height of the tower, at least up to the first height before the step of housing at least partially the at least one post-tensioning element in the internal space at a first distance from the inner wall of tower.
Preferably, the step of lifting the at least one post-tensioning element along the height of the tower further comprises lifting the at least one post-tensioning element at least up to the third height, preferably at least up to the second height, more preferably at least up to the fourth height, more preferably at least up to the tower height.
Optionally, the method further comprises a step of guiding auxiliary lifting means by a housing device configured to house, at least partially, the at least one posttensioning element in the internal space at a first distance from the inner wall of the tower, wherein the step of guiding auxiliary lifting means is carried out before the step of lifting the at least one post-tensioning element along the height of the tower, at least up to the first height.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To complement the description being made and for the sake of a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, attached as an integral part of said description are a set of drawings wherein, for the purpose of illustration and not limiting the scope of the invention, the following is shown:
Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a tower of a wind turbine comprising at least a retaining device according to the invention for the first preferred embodiment.
Figure 2 shows a top view of Figure 1 .
Figure 3 shows a section view KK of Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows a detail Z of Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a detail Y of Figure 3.
Figure 6 shows a detail X of Figure 3.
Figure 7 shows a detail W of Figure 3.
Figure 8 shows a detail V of Figure 3.
Figure 9 shows a detail U of Figure 3.
Figure 10 shows a detail T of Figure 3.
Figure 11 shows a partial section view of a tower of a wind turbine comprising at least a retaining device according to the invention for the second preferred embodiment.
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the retaining device according to the invention for the second preferred embodiment.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The invention is described in detail as follows. It relates to a retaining device, as shown in Figures 7 for a first preferred embodiment and in Figure 12 for a second preferred embodiment, of a post-tensioning element of a tower (100) of a wind turbine, wherein the tower (100) comprises:
- a central vertical axis (70);
- an inner wall (71 ) which defines an internal space inside the tower (100);
- a lower end (72) which comprises a lower surface (73) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- an upper end (74) which comprises an upper surface (75) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- at least one post-tensioning element (30) located in the internal space inside the tower (100);
- a tower height (TH) measured along the central vertical axis (70) of the tower (100), from the lower surface (73) to the upper surface (75) when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the retaining device comprises:
- a housing device (1 , 101 ) configured to house, at least partially, the at least one post-tensioning element (30, 130) in the internal space at a first distance (d1 ) from the inner wall of the tower; and
- anchoring means (2, 102) configured to anchor the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along (hi ) the tower height (TH).
In the first preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, the retaining device further comprising a first centering element (3), preferably toroidal, disposed in the housing device (1 ) and configured to be disposed, in use, between the at least one posttensioning element (30) and the housing device (1 ). Preferably, the first centering element (3) extends beyond the height of the housing device (1 ).
The anchoring means (2) comprises two plates (5) configured to be anchored to the inner wall (71 ) of the tower (100), preferably by means of bolts and nuts.
The retaining device further comprises joining means (4) configured to join the housing device (1 ) to the anchoring device (2), being in this embodiment two vertical walls (4), each one of them joined to a plate (5) of the anchoring means (2).
Optionally, the first distance from the inner wall of the tower to the at least one post-tensioning element is between 0,05m and 0,5m, preferably between 0,09m and 0,30m, more preferably between 0,15m and 0,25m, in a radial direction of the tower.
In this embodiment, the first height is in a central third along the tower height. Preferably, the ratio between the first height (hi ) and the tower height (TH) is between 0,5 and 0,6.
The guiding system of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine is shown in figure 3, wherein the guiding system comprises the retaining device described above.
Preferably, the guiding system further comprises at least a through hole (31 ) from the upper surface (75) of the upper end (74) to the inner wall (71 ) of the upper end (74), configured to, at least partially, house the at least one post-tensioning element; wherein the guiding system further comprises a second centering element (7) disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element (30) and the through hole at a second height (h2) along the tower height (TH).
In this embodiment, the ratio between the second height and the tower height is between 0,97 and 0,999.
In this embodiment, the tower (100) further comprises an adapter (20) disposed on the upper end (74) of the tower, wherein the at least one post-tensioning element (30) is fixed to the adapter (20) by means of a threaded nut configured to transmit the load of the at least one post-tensioning element (30) to the adapter (20) and in consequence to the tower (100).The guiding system further comprises at least a protrusion (9) extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower, wherein, in use, the at least one post-tensioning element is abutted, wherein preferably, the at least one protrusion (9) extends circumferentially along the inner wall of the tower.
In this embodiment, the at least one protrusion is located at a third height (h3) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0,85 and 0,95.
The guiding system further comprises auxiliary guiding means (not shown) configured to guide the at least tone post-tensioning element (30) at least during the housing of the at least one post-tensioning element (30) in the internal space of the housing device (1 ). Preferably, the auxiliary guiding means comprise rotatable rollers having an axis of rotation essentially perpendicular to the at least one post-tensioning element (30). The tower (100) of a wind turbine wherein the guiding system is disposed comprises:
- a central vertical axis (70);
- an inner wall (71 ) which defines an internal space inside the tower (100);
- a lower end (72) which comprises a lower surface (73) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- an upper end (74) which comprises an upper surface (75) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- at least one post-tensioning element (30) located in the internal space inside the tower (100);
- a tower height (TH) measured along the central vertical axis (70) of the tower (100), from the lower surface (73) to the upper surface (75) when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the tower further comprises at least one guiding system described above.
Preferably, the at least one post-tensioning element (30) comprises at least one strand disposed in the interior of a sheath.
Preferably, the tower (100) comprises a plurality of guiding systems, wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction at the first height (hi ) along the tower height.
The tower comprises at least a first concrete section (50) which in turn comprises at least two concrete segments (10), wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the at least two concrete segments in the same circumferential position in the circumferential direction at the first height along the tower height, in each one of the at least two concrete segments (10).
The upper end of the tower is a second concrete section (50’) comprising at least two concrete segments, the tower further comprising the guiding system of claim 12 in each one of the at least two concrete segments of the second concrete section.
In this embodiment, the at least one post-tensioning element forms an angle of 1 ,4e with the central vertical axis at a third height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0 and 0,92 and an angle between 0,9e with the central vertical axis at a fourth height (h4) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the fourth height (h4) and the tower height is between 0,88 and 1 , and an angle of 0e between the fourth height (h4) and the upper surface (75).
In a second preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 1 to 12, the retaining device further comprising a first centering element (103), preferably toroidal, disposed in the housing device (101 ) and configured to be disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element (130) and the housing device (101 ). Preferably, the first centering element (103) is contained within the height of the housing device (1 ).
The anchoring means (102) comprises two plates (105) configured to be anchored to the inner wall (71 ) of the tower (100), preferably by means of bolts and nuts.
The retaining device further comprises joining means (104) configured to join the housing device (101 ) to the anchoring device (102), being in this embodiment two vertical walls (104), each one of them joined to a plate (105) of the anchoring means (102).
In this second embodiment, the housing device (101 ) is an openable housing device (101 ) configured to allow an access to its interior and in consequence to the at least one post-tensioning element (130). Preferably, the housing device (101 ) comprises two parts configured to be joined by joining means, preferably bolts and nuts. This could be necessary in case that at least one post-tensioning element (130) can not be housed correctly in the housing device (101 ) or in case the at least post-tensioning element (130) is damaged and needs to be replaced.
In this second embodiment, the housing device (101 ) comprises a decreasing mouthpiece (11 1 ) configured to assist the passage of the at least one post-tensioning element (130) head and sliders or deflectors (112) disposed in the interior of the housing device (101 ) and configured to prevent lifting means configured to lift the at least one post-tensioning element (130) from rubbing against the housing device (101 ).
Optionally, the first distance from the inner wall of the tower to the at least one post-tensioning element is between 0,05m and 0,5m, preferably between 0,09m and 0,30m, more preferably between 0,15m and 0,25m, in a radial direction of the tower.
In this embodiment, the first height is in a central third along the tower height. Preferably, the ratio between the first height (hi ) and the tower height (TH) is between 0,5 and 0,6.
The guiding system of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine is shown in figure 11 , wherein the guiding system comprises the retaining device described above.
Preferably, the guiding system further comprises at least a through hole (31 ) from the upper surface (75) of the upper end (74) to the inner wall (71 ) of the upper end (74), configured to, at least partially, house the at least one post-tensioning element; wherein the guiding system further comprises a second centering element (107) disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element (130) and the through hole at a second height (h2) along the tower height (TH).
In this embodiment, the ratio between the second height and the tower height is between 0,97 and 0,999.
In this embodiment, the tower (100) further comprises an adapter (20) disposed on the upper end (74) of the tower, wherein the at least one post-tensioning element (130) is fixed to the adapter (20) by means of a split shim configured to transmit the load of the at least one post-tensioning element (30) to the adapter (20) and in consequence to the tower (100) comprising a lower flange of the adapter (20).
The guiding system further comprises at least a protrusion (9) extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower, wherein, in use, the at least one post-tensioning element is abutted, wherein preferably, the at least one protrusion (9) extends circumferentially along the inner wall of the tower.
In this embodiment, the at least one protrusion is located at a third height (h3) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0,85 and 0,95.
The guiding system further comprises a collar (1 14), preferably comprising a plastic material, preferably polyethylene, and configured to protect the at least one tensioning element (130).
The tower (100) of a wind turbine wherein the guiding system is disposed comprises:
- a central vertical axis (70);
- an inner wall (71 ) which defines an internal space inside the tower (100);
- a lower end (72) which comprises a lower surface (73) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- an upper end (74) which comprises an upper surface (75) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- at least one post-tensioning element (30) located in the internal space inside the tower (100);
- a tower height (TH) measured along the central vertical axis (70) of the tower (100), from the lower surface (73) to the upper surface (75) when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the tower further comprises at least one guiding system described above.
Preferably, the at least one post-tensioning element (130) comprises at least one strand configured to be in direct contact with the first centering device (103) of the housing device (101 ).
Preferably, the tower (100) further comprises a foundation (115), wherein the collar (114), preferably comprising a plastic material, preferably polyethylene, and configured to protect the at least one tensioning element (130), is disposed in the foundation (115) at the same height than the lower surface (73) of the lower end (72) of the guiding system.
Preferably, the tower (100) comprises a plurality of guiding systems, wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction at the first height (hi ) along the tower height.
The tower comprises at least a first concrete section (50) which in turn comprises at least two concrete segments (10), wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the at least two concrete segments in the same circumferential position in the circumferential direction at the first height along the tower height, in each one of the at least two concrete segments (10).
The upper end of the tower is a second concrete section (50’) comprising at least two concrete segments, the tower further comprising the guiding system as described above in each one of the at least two concrete segments of the second concrete section.
In this embodiment, the at least one post-tensioning element forms an angle of 1 ,39e with the central vertical axis at a third height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0 and 0,92 and an angle of 0,96e with the central vertical axis at a fourth height (h4) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the fourth height (h4) and the tower height is between 0,88 and 1 , and an angle of 0,43e between the fourth height (h4) and the upper surface (75).

Claims

1 . Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a tower (100) of a wind turbine, wherein the tower (100) comprises:
- a central vertical axis (70);
- an inner wall (71 ) which defines an internal space inside the tower (100);
- a lower end (72) which comprises a lower surface (73) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- an upper end (74) which comprises an upper surface (75) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- at least one post-tensioning element (30) located in the internal space inside the tower (100);
- a tower height (TH) measured along the central vertical axis (70) of the tower (100), from the lower surface (73) to the upper surface (75) when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the retaining device comprises:
- a housing device (1 , 101 ) configured to house, at least partially, the at least one post-tensioning element (30, 130) in the internal space at a first distance (d1 ) from the inner wall of the tower; and
- anchoring means (2, 102) configured to anchor the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along (hi ) the tower height (TH).
2. The retaining device of claim 1 , further comprising a first centering element (3, 103) disposed in the housing device and configured to be disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element and the housing device.
3. The retaining device of any one of previous claims, wherein the retaining device is also configured to adjust the first distance (d1 ) between the at least one post-tensioning element and the inner wall of the tower.
4. The retaining device of any one of previous claims, wherein the retaining device is also configured to adjust a position of the at least one post-tensioning element with regards to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction.
5. The retaining device of any one of previous claims, wherein the anchoring means comprise at least a plate (5, 105), preferably two plates, configured to be anchored to the inner wall of the tower.
6. The retaining device of any one of previous claims, further comprising joining means (4, 104) configured to join the housing device to the anchoring device.
7. The retaining device of claims 4 and 5, wherein the joining means comprise two vertical walls (4, 104), each one of them joined to a plate (5, 105) of the anchoring means.
8. The retaining device of any of the previous claims, wherein the first distance from the inner wall of the tower to the at least one post-tensioning element is between 0,05m and 0,5m, preferably between 0,09m and 0,30m, in a radial direction of the tower.
9. The retaining device of any of the previous claims, wherein the first height is in a central third along the tower height.
10. The retaining device of any of the previous claims, wherein a ratio between the first height (hi ) and the tower height (TH) is between 0,5 and 0,6.
11. The retaining device of claim 2, wherein the first centering element (3) extends beyond the height of the housing device (1 ).
12. The retaining device of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one posttensioning element (30) comprises at least one strand disposed in the interior of a sheath.
13. The retaining device of claim 2, wherein the first centering element (103) is contained within the height of the housing device (101 ).
14. The retaining device of claims 2 or 13, wherein the at least one post-tensioning element (130) comprises at least one strand configured to be in direct contact with the first centering device (103) of the housing device (101 ).
15. The retaining device of claim 1 , wherein the housing device (101 ) is an openable housing device (101 ) configured to allow an access to its interior and in consequence to the at least one post-tensioning element (130).
16. The retaining device of claim 1 , wherein the housing device (101 ) comprises a decreasing mouthpiece (11 1 ) configured to assist the passage of the at least one posttensioning element (130) head and sliders or deflectors (1 12) disposed in the interior of the housing device (101 ) and configured to prevent lifting means configured to lift the at least one post-tensioning element (130) from rubbing against the housing device (101 ).
17. Guiding system of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine comprising the retaining device of any of the previous claims.
18. The guiding system of claim 17, wherein the upper end of the tower further comprises:
- at least a through hole (31 ) from the upper surface of the upper end to the inner wall of the upper end, configured to, at least partially, house the at least one posttensioning element; wherein the guiding system further comprises a second centering element (7) disposed, in use, between the at least one post-tensioning element and the through hole at a second height (h2) along the tower height.
19. The guiding system of claim 18, wherein a ratio between the second height and the tower height is between 0,97 and 0,999.
20. The guiding system of any of claims 17 to 19, further comprising at least a protrusion (9) extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower, wherein, in use, the at least one post-tensioning element is abutted.
21 . The guiding system of claim 20, wherein the at least one protrusion (9) extends circumferentially along the inner wall of the tower.
22. The guiding system of any of claims 20 or 21 , wherein the at least one protrusion is located at a third height (h3) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0,85 and 0,95.
23. The guiding system of any of claims 17 to 22 further comprising auxiliary guiding means configured to guide the at least one post-tensioning element (30, 130) at least during the housing of the at least one post-tensioning element (30, 130) in the internal space of the housing device (1 , 101 ).
24. The guiding system of claim 23, wherein the auxiliary guiding means comprise rotatable rollers having an axis of rotation essentially perpendicular to the at least one post-tensioning element (130).
25. The guiding system of any of claims 17 to 23 further comprising a collar (1 14), preferably comprising a plastic material, and configured to protect the at least one tensioning element (130).
26. Tower of a wind turbine comprising:
- a central vertical axis (70);
- an inner wall (71 ) which defines an internal space inside the tower (100);
- a lower end (72) which comprises a lower surface (73) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- an upper end (74) which comprises an upper surface (75) and partially the inner wall (71 );
- at least one post-tensioning element (30) located in the internal space inside the tower (100);
- a tower height (TH) measured along the central vertical axis (70) of the tower (100), from the lower surface (73) to the upper surface (75) when the tower is in an upright position; wherein the tower further comprises the guiding system of any of claims 17 to 25.
27. The tower of claim 26 comprising a plurality of guiding systems according to any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the inner wall of the tower in a circumferential direction at the first height (hi ) along the tower height.
28. The tower of claim 27 comprising at least a first concrete section (50) which in turn comprises at least two concrete segments (10), wherein the plurality of retaining devices is anchored to the at least two concrete segments in the same circumferential position in the circumferential direction at the first height along the tower height, in each one of the at least two concrete segments (10).
29. The tower of any of claims 26-28, wherein the upper end of the tower is a second concrete section (50’) comprising at least two concrete segments, the tower further comprising the guiding system of claim 17 in each one of the at least two concrete segments of the second concrete section.
30. The tower of any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the at least one post-tensioning element forms an angle between 1 ,3s and 1 .5e with the central vertical axis at a third height along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the third height and the tower height is between 0 and 0,92 and an angle between 0e and 1 ,5e with the central vertical axis at a fourth height (h4) along the tower height, wherein a ratio between the fourth height (h4) and the tower height is between 0,88 and 1 .
31 . Retaining method of a post-tensioning element of a tower of a wind turbine according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein method comprises:
- a step of housing at least partially the at least one post-tensioning element in the internal space at a first distance from the inner wall of tower; and
- a step of anchoring the housing device to the inner wall of the tower disposing the housing device at a first height along the tower height.
32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising:
- a step of centering the at least one post-tensioning element in the housing device.
33. The method of any of claims 31 or 32 further comprising:
- a step of housing the at least one post-tensioning element in a through hole from the upper surface of the upper end to the inner wall of the upper end; and
- a step of centering the at least one post-tensioning element in the through-hole at a second height along the tower height.
34. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, further comprising:
- a step of abutting the at least one post-tensioning element in at least a protrusion extending from the inner wall towards the central vertical axis of the tower at a third height along the tower height.
EP24735987.0A 2023-06-21 2024-06-21 Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine Pending EP4731894A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23382626.2A EP4481194A1 (en) 2023-06-21 2023-06-21 Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine
PCT/EP2024/067449 WO2024261247A1 (en) 2023-06-21 2024-06-21 Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4731894A1 true EP4731894A1 (en) 2026-04-29

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EP23382626.2A Pending EP4481194A1 (en) 2023-06-21 2023-06-21 Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine
EP24735987.0A Pending EP4731894A1 (en) 2023-06-21 2024-06-21 Retaining device of a post-tensioning element of a post-tensioning system of a tower of a wind turbine, guiding system of a tower of a wind turbine, tower of a wind turbine and method of post-tensioning a tower of a wind turbine

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EP (2) EP4481194A1 (en)
CN (1) CN121752810A (en)
AR (1) AR133036A1 (en)
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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NZ589882A (en) * 2008-07-15 2013-03-28 Siemens Ag Method for the assembly of a tower and tower made of vertically stacked precast elements held in place by tensioned cables running inside the tower
WO2011091799A1 (en) * 2010-02-01 2011-08-04 Conelto Aps A tower construction and a method for erecting the tower construction
FR3029231B1 (en) * 2014-12-01 2016-12-30 Lafarge Sa CONCRETE SECTION
MX2018002590A (en) * 2015-08-31 2018-11-09 Wind Tower Tech Llc System and method for installing a tensioning tendon in a wind turbine tower.
CN110359754B (en) * 2019-07-23 2020-11-20 天津建城基业集团有限公司 Concrete pipe pile
CN215719235U (en) * 2021-01-14 2022-02-01 索列丹斯法西奈公司 Wind turbine tower
DE102022100725A1 (en) * 2022-01-13 2023-07-13 Bettels Betonfertigteile GmbH Tower for a wind turbine and wind turbine in question

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AR133036A1 (en) 2025-08-20
AU2024312012A1 (en) 2026-01-08
WO2024261247A1 (en) 2024-12-26
EP4481194A1 (en) 2024-12-25

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