GB2497141A - A mast assembly and a method of installing a mast assembly - Google Patents

A mast assembly and a method of installing a mast assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2497141A
GB2497141A GB1120807.1A GB201120807A GB2497141A GB 2497141 A GB2497141 A GB 2497141A GB 201120807 A GB201120807 A GB 201120807A GB 2497141 A GB2497141 A GB 2497141A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
mast
text
strut
connection points
compression strut
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB1120807.1A
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GB201120807D0 (en
GB2497141B (en
Inventor
John Moore
Murray Johnson
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WINDCROP Ltd
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WINDCROP Ltd
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Publication date
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Priority to GB1120807.1A priority Critical patent/GB2497141B/en
Publication of GB201120807D0 publication Critical patent/GB201120807D0/en
Publication of GB2497141A publication Critical patent/GB2497141A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2497141B publication Critical patent/GB2497141B/en
Expired - Fee Related 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
    • 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
    • E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
    • E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
    • 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
    • E04H12/20—Side-supporting means therefor, e.g. using guy ropes or struts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
    • F05B2240/913—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a mast
    • 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)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

A mast assembly, preferably to support a wind turbine, comprises a hollow mast 10 having a base end and two opposed connection points 40a, 40b spaced from the base end; one or more supports 30a, 30b, 30c attached to the connection points 40a, 40b for supporting the mast body 10 and a compression strut 50 within the mast body 10 extending between the two connection points 40a, 40b and abutting an internal surface of the hollow mast. The strut may also extend through holes in the mast and connector plates may cover the strut holes and be held in place by the strut. The strut may be held in place by an interference fit or a screw thread on the strut and hole.

Description

A Mast Assembly and a Method of Installing a Mast Assembly The invention relates to a mast assembly and a method of installing a mast assembly. Particularly, but not exclusively, the mast assembly of the invention can be used to support a wind turbine.
Supports for hollow masts react horizontal loading and prevent a large moment from being applied at the base of the mast. However, such supports generally apply high point loads to the sides of the mast. Thus the mast body must be manufactured with a thick wall to resist bending and buckling.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mast assembly according to claim 1.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a mast assembly according to claim 12.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment mast assembly in an installed state; Figure 2 shows-a-cl-ose-up-of-region-A-of -the mast -assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the mast assembly of Figure 2 at plane B; Figure 4 shows a close up of region C of the cross-section of the mast assembly shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment; Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a mast assembly of a second embodiment; Figure 7 shows a close up of region A of the mast assembly of the second embodiment; Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the mast assembly of Figure 7 at plane B; Figure 9 shows a close up of region C of the cross-section of the mast assembly shown in Figure 8; and Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a mast assembly in an installed stats.
The mast assembly comprises a mast 10, 12, 14, and a mounting point 20 on which devices, for example a wind turbine, may be mounted. The mast 10, 12, 14 comprises a mast base section 10, a first upper section 12 and a second upper section 14.
The mast base section 10, the first upper section 12, and the second upper section 14 are formed as hollow tubes, preferably having similar polygonal cross-sections.
Preferably, mast base section 10 is formed as a single unit.
-However-,-mast-base-gection 10--may-comprise a-piuralityof mast sections that combine to form mast base section 10.
The mast assembly further comprises supports for supporting the mast base section 10 in an upright position.
The supports comprise struts 30a, 3Db, 3Cc, which prevent lateral movement of the mast base section 10 at a distance from the lowermost end iDa of the mast base section 10.
S Struts 30a, 3Db, 30c connect to connection points, such as connection plates 40a and 4Gb (or simply openings in either side of the mast base section 10) -Optionally, the lowermost end ba (the base end) of the mast base section 10 may be set into concrete. Alternatively, and more preferably, the mast base section 10 may be supported at another location along its length (e.g. as in Figure 1, at the lowermost end lOs) . In Figure 1, the supports further comprise struts 32a, 32b, 32c to prevent lateral movement of the mast base section 10 at the lowermost end lOa. Preferably, struts 32a, 32b, 32c are formed as turnbuclc].es.
Preferably, the mast 10, 12, 14 is tapered such that it narrows along its length from the base section to its uppermost extent. As a result of the tapered shape, mast base section 10 is wider than the first upper section 12, which in turn is wider than the second upper section 14.
Therefore, the second upper section 14 can be inserted into the first upper section 12, which can be inserted into the mast base section 10.
-F-igu-re 2-shows-a-close up-of-region A of themat aSthbiy -----of Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows a cross-section through this region at plane B. As can be seen in these figures, the mast base section 10 has two opposed openings 12a, 12b over which connection plates 40a and 4Gb are attached. Connection plates 40a and 40b preferably have thickness greater than the thickness of S the mast. The connection plates 40a, 4Gb are optional, but are advantageous when the mast base section 10 is relatively thin-walled, in which case the connection plates 40a, 40b improve the strength of the mast where it is supported by the struts 30a, Bob, 30c, and provide a thicker section in which a bone for the fixings GOa, Gob may be formed. The connection plates 40a, 40b are preferably welded to the mast base section 10 over a large area to distribute the load.
The openings 12a, l2b are at the same point along the length of the mast base section 10 and are diametrically opposite each other in the cross-section of mast base section 10.
The two connection plates 40a, 4Db have holes through which a fixing 60a, GOb such as a pin, a bolt, a screw etc., may be inserted. Such fixings can hold in place the struts BOa, 3Gb, 30c.
In embodiments in which the mast is tapered, the connection plates 40a, 40b will be non-parallel. In that case, it is preferable to weld a boss 42a, 42b having an axial bone into a corresponding hole in each connection plate 40a, 40b. In this way a common axis for the fixings 60a, GOb may be formed reliably and independently of the taper of the mast.
Optional-ly, --each-boss 42a/ 42b mayhave aenetàl1 ----------cylindrical body with a flanged end surface for abutment with struts 30a, 30b, 30c.
A compression strut 50 is provided within the hollow mast base section 10, extending between the opposed openings 12a, 12b in the mast base section 10.
S The compression strut 50 abuts the inner surface of the mast base section 10 and/or the connection plates 401, 4Db and/or the bosses 42a, 42b. Preferably the compression strut 50 has at least one tapered (or frustoconical) end, which interfits with a depression having a complementary shape in the mast base section 10, the connection plate 40a, 4Db and/or the boss 42a, 42b against which it abuts.
The fixings 60a, 6Db penetrate the ends of compression strut 50. Thus, the fixings GOa, GOb hold the struts 30a, 3Db, 3Cc and the compression strut SD in place on connection plates 40a, 4Db.
Advantageously, the provision of compression strut SD prevents deformation of the mast base section at the connection points to there by prevent the reaction force applied by the struts JOa, 3Db, 3Dc in response to any loading of the mast 12, 12, 14 to cause the mast 10, 12, 14 to buckle.
The compression strut 50 comprises a hollow tube 51, preferably having a circular cross-section, and two end pieces 52a, 52b, which are inserted into respective ends of the-t-ube-51; - 3D Each end piece 52a, 52b has a bore 54a, 54b formed therein, into which a respective fixing GDa, Gob can be inserted.
Preferably, fixing 60b comprises an enlarged head at one end and a screw thread at the other end. The screw thread is arranged to mate with a corresponding thread formed on the inside of the bore 54b in the end piece 52b.
S
As can be seen in Figure 4, in preferable embodiments, a load pipe 7Gb is inserted through the hole in the connection plate 40b, and a hole in each of the struts 3Gb, 30c.
The diameter of the outer surface of the load pipe 7Gb matches the inner diameter of the holes in connection plate 4Gb and each of the struts 30b, 30c.
The diameter of the bore through load pipe 7Gb matches the outer diameter of the fixing Gob.
Load pipe 7Gb can resist the shear loading across its longitudinal axis by loads applied to the mast or the struts 3Gb, 30c. For this reason, it is preferable that the load pipes 70a, 70b carry the weight of each of the struts 30a, 30b, 30c, and also penetrate the wall of the base mast section 10 and/or connection plates 40a, 4Gb beyond their outermost surface. Most preferably, the load pipes 70a, 7Gb extend inwardly from the enlarged head of the fixing 60a, 6Db to a point within the outer surface of the mast base section 10.
-Li-}cew-ise1 -a ioad-pipe-70a is inserted thrcugh thehOLein -the connection plate 40a, and a hole in each of the struts 30a, 30c.
The provision of load pipes 70a, 70b thus allows the fixings GOa, EOb to be small, since they are only required to carry axial loads in order to retain the components in place.
Whilst only one compression strut 50 has been described, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that for masts supported at more than one location, a compression strut 50 could be provided at each supporting location.
The following describes a method of installing the mast assembly of the first embodiment.
It is intended that the mast assembly will be transported in a deconstructed compact state. In particular, the second upper section 14 will be inserted within the first upper section 12, which is inserted within the mast base section 10.
The first upper section 14 is removed from the mast base section 10 and the second upper section 14 is removed from the first upper section 12.
The mast sections, including the mast base section 10 and the mast upper sections 12, 14 are attached together to form a mast 10, 12, 14.
The compression strut 50 is inserted into the mast base --ection 10 Preferably; th cothpfèsibn Sttut50is inserted into an opening in the end of mast base section 100.
The length of the compression strut 50 is preferably slightly greater than the distance between the internal surface of the mast base section 10 around the opposed openings 12a, 12b. However, such a compression strut 50 will fit in place between the opposed openings 12a, 12b by slight elastic deformation of the mast base section 10 so as to accommodate the compression strut SC when forced into place.
When in place, the compression strut 50 will extend between and abut the two connection plates 40a, 40b, which cover the opposed openings 12a, 12b.
Preferably, the opposed openings 12a, 12b will deform elastically to accommodate the ends of the compression strut 50. tn order to promote this deformation, the ends of the compression strut 50 may be tapered. In embodiments in which end pieces 52a, 52b are present, the tapering may be provided on the end pieces 52a, 52b. Preferably, the tapering of the ends of the compression strut 50 will involve the diameter of the compression strut 50 at its extents being smaller than the diameter of the opposed openings l2a, 12b.
In order for the compression strut 50 to be fitted in place between the opposed openings 12a, 12b, it is necessary to apply a force to deform the mast base section 10. Once in --place,-thetsistnteof the thast básè édtibitfo to deformation will lock the compression strut 50 in place.
3D The force can be applied to the compression strut 50, for example as shown in Figure SA using a hammer.
Alternatively, the force can be applied between opposing sides of the mast base section 10 to elastically deform its shape in cross-section to thereby separate the opposed openings 12a, 12b by a sufficient amount to fit the compression strut 50 into place between the opposed openings l2a, 12b before the force is released. In this case, the openings 12a, 12b will deform as described above to lack the compression strut 50 into place. Such a force can be applied using a jack.
When the compression strut 50 is in place, one or more fixings BOa, Gob, are inserted through the proximal ends of the struts 30a, 30b, 30c, through the connection plates 4Da, 40b, and into the ends of compression strut 50.
The fixing could be a tie rod extending through the mast base section 10 and struts BOa, 30b, BOc at either side of the mast base section 10.
More preferably, two fixings Boa, Gob can be used, one for either side of the mast base section 10. In which case, a fixing GOa having a screw thread is inserted through the proximal end of the struts 30a, 30b, through the connection plate 40a, and screwed into a thread formed in the surface of bore 54a at the first end of the compression strut 50.
Similarly, a fixing Gob having a screw thread is inserted through the proximal end of the struts 3Gb, JOc, through the --connect-ion the surface of bore 54b at the second end of the compression strut 50, -10 -The mast 10, 12, 14 is erected, for example by using a crane or jack.
The distal ends of the struts 30a, 30b, 30c are connected to a supporting structure or supporting foundation.
The lowermost end lOa (the base end) of the mast base section 10 may be set into concrete. Alternatively, and more preferably, the mast base section 10 may be supported at the lowermost end lOa using struts 32a, 32b, 32c to prevent lateral movement of the mast base section 10 at the lowermost end lOa. Preferably, struts 32a, 32b, 32c are formed as turnbuckles, and are adjusted to control the horizontal (lateral) position of the lowermost end lOa.
It is possible to disassemble the mast assembly by removing the fixings GOa, 60b, the struts 30a, 30b, 30c, and the struts 32a, 32b, 32c, and by disassembling the mast sections into separate sections.
The compression strut 50 is removed by applying a force between opposing sides of the mast base section 10 to elastically deform its shape to thereby separate the opposed openings 12a, 12b by a distance greater than the length of the compression strut 50.
Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a mast assembly in an -inst-aIled--state. ---In contrast to the first embodiment in which the mast base section 10 has opposed openings 12a, 12b, which are covered by the two connection plates 40a, 40b to prevent the -11 -compression strut 50 train passing through, in this embodiment, the compression strut 150 is installed by insertion through an opening in one side of the mast base section 10 and/or connection plate 40a. The opposite side of the mast base section 10 will have the same structure as in the first embodiment, so that the inboard end of the compression strut 150 (i.e. that which is inserted first into the mast) may abut the inside surface of the mast base section 10 and/or connection plate 40b.
The inboard end of the compression strut 150 is the same as that described above with respect to the first embodiment.
The outboard end of the compression strut 150 is formed differently. Specifically, the outer surface of the end of the compression strut 150 is formed with a thread 156a extending radially outwardly therefrom, which is arranged to mate with a corresponding thread 46a within the connection plate 40a. The outboard end of the compression strut 150 can therefore be screwed into the connection plate 40a to thereby lock the compression strut 150 such that it extends between opposite sides of the mast base section 10.
It is preferable to provide the outboard end of the compression strut with a tool interface that allows a tool to rotate the compression strut 150 into interlocking engagement with the mast base section 10. Such a tool inter-face-maybe-embodieda a zhapedtbreeeivjn the end of a screw driver or power tool so that the compression strut 150 can be driven to rotate thereby.
-12 -In embodiments in which the connection plates 40a, 40b each have welded thereto a boss 42a, 42b, it is preferable that the boss 42a will carry the thread 46a to mate with that the thread 156a on the outboard end of the compression strut 150.
In embodiments in which the compression strut 150 is formed as a hollow tube with end pieces (as described above), the male thread 156a is formed on the outer surface of the end piece 152a.
The following describes a method of installing the mast assembly of the second embodiment. The second embodiment is assembled in the same manner as the first embodiment.
However, in contrast to the first embodiment, in which the compression strut 50 is inserted through an open end of the mast base section 10, in this embodiment the compression strut 150 is inserted through a connection point in one side of the mast until it abuts the opposing connection point in the opposite side of the mast. Specifically, the compression strut 150 is inserted through an opening in one side of the mast base section 10 and/or connection plate 40a.
The compression strut 150 is inserted through the opening until the thread lSGa meets the corresponding thread 46a within the connection plate 40a (or within the boss 42a) Once these threads 46a lSEa meet, the-compres-sion strut ISO may be rotated to translate the compression strut axially until it abuts the opposite side of the mast base section 10.
-13 -Once the compression strut 150 is in place, the fixings 60a, 6Gb, may be inserted in the manner described above with respect to the first enthodirnent.

Claims (7)

  1. <claim-text>-14 -CLAIMS: 1. A mast assembly for supporting a wind turbine, comprising: S a hollow mast having a base end and two opposed connection points spaced from the base end; one or more supports attached to the connection points for supporting the mast body; and a compression strut within the mast body extending between the two connection points.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The mast assembly of claim 1, wherein the mast comprises: a hollow mast base section having the base end, an upper end, and the two opposed connection points; and one or more upper mast sections connected to the hollow mast section and extending in line therewith.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The mast of assembly claim 2, wherein: the mast base section comprises two opposed strut holes and two connector plates, respectively covering each of the two strut holes; each of the opposed connection points of the mast base section are formed on a respective connector plates; the compression strut is held in place within the mast by insertion into the strut holes.</claim-text> <claim-text>4r --The-mas*-aasernb-ly-tf-cajm-r whtrei theetj'ut h61S are deformed elastically by the inserted compression strut.</claim-text> <claim-text>-15 - 5. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compression strut is held in place within the mast by an interference fit.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein: one of the two opposed connection points comprises an internally threaded opening for insertion of the compression strut; the compressions strut has an external thread at one end arranged to mesh with the internal thread.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The mast assembly of claim 6, wherein: the internally threaded opening is formed within a plate on the outer surface of the mast body.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The mast assembly of claim 6, wherein: the internally threaded opening is formed within a boss attached to a plate on the outer surface of the mast body.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The mast assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the mast base section is sized to receive one of the one or more upper mast sections.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compression strut is attachable to and removable from the mast body.</claim-text> <claim-text>---fl-The Tnast-assembly -of any precediflg cIirn, cdfiprisihg a ---plurality of upper mast sections, wherein the upper mast sections are hollow and tapered such that they can be connected in a line to form a tapered mast, or can be stacked. -16</claim-text> <claim-text>12. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the ends of the compression strut are tapered.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein: the compression strut comprises a tube with two end portions inserted into respective ends thereof; and each of the two end portions is arranged to receive a fixing means.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. The mast assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more supports are attached to the connection points via fixing means inserted through the one or more supports and the connection points and into the two end portions.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A method of installing a mast assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a hollow mast having a base end, an upper end and two opposed connection points spaced from the base end; inserting a compression strut into the mast base section so that it extends between the two connection points; and supporting the mast base section with one or more supports attached to the connection points.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of forming the mast by: -provi-ding-a-hol1ow mast baseetio hafnthebäse ----end, an upper end, and the two opposed connection points; and -17 -mounting one or more upper mast sections on the upper end of the mast base section such that they extend in line therewith.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: removing the one or more upper mast sections from within the mast base section.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: inserting the one or more upper mast sections into the mast base section.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast comprises inserting the compression strut into the base end or the upper end.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: the mast comprises two opposed strut holes and two connector plates, respectively covering each of the two strut holes; each of the opposed connection points of the mast are formed on a respective connector plates; and the compression strut is held in place within the mast by insertion into the strut holes, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast comprises elastically deforming the strut holes to receive the ends of the compression strut.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: inserting two end portions into respective ends of a tube to form the compression strut; and -18 -attaching the one or more supports to the connection points by inserting fixing means through the one or more supports and the connection points and into the two end portions.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. The method of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut comprises applying a force directly to the compression strut to thereby compress it between the two connection points, and then releasing the force.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut comprises applying a force directly to the mast body to separate the two connection points, inserting the compression strut therebetween, and releasing the force.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast comprises inserting the compression strut through a hole located at a first of the two opposed connection points.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. The method of claim 24, further comprising screwing a thread located at one end of the compression strut into a corresponding thread formed in the hole until the other end of the compression strut abuts a second of the two opposed connection points.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSCLAIMS: 1. A mast assembly for supporting a wind turbine, comprising: a hollow mast having a base end; two opposed connection points on the hoiiow mast spaced from the base end; one or more supports attached to the connection points for supporting the mast; and a compression strut within the mast extending between the two connection points, wherein at least one end of the compression strut abuts the inner surface of one of the connection points.r 15
  2. 2. The mast assembly of claim 1, wherein the mast O comprises: a hollow mast base section having the base end, an o upper end, and the two opposed conneotion points; and one or more upper mast sections connected to the hollow mast section and extending In line therewith.
  3. 3. The mast assembly claim 2, wherein: the mast base section comprises two opposed strut holes and two connector plates, respectively covering each of the two strut holes; each of the opposed connection points of the mast base section are formed on a respective connector plate; the compression strut Is held in place within the mast by insertion into the strut holes.
  4. 4. The mast assembly of claim 3, wherein the strut holes are deformed elastically by the Inserted compression strut.
  5. 5. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compression strut is held in place within the mast by an interference fit.
  6. 6. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein: one of the two opposed connection points comprises an internally threaded opening for insertion of the compression strut; the compressions strut has an external thread at one end arranged to mesh with the internal thread.
  7. 7. The mast assembly of claim 6, wherein: Co the internally threaded opening is formed within a r 15 plate on the outer surface of the mast. C?)8. The mast assembly of claim 6, wherein: o the internally threaded opening is formed within a boss attached to a plate on the outer surface of the mast.9. The mast assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, or claim as dependent upon claim 2, wherein the mast base section is sized to receive one of the one or more upper mast sections.10. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compression strut is removable from the mast body.11. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of upper mast sections, wherein the upper mast sections are hollow and tapered such that they can be connected in a line to form a tapered mast, or can be stacked.12. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the ends of the compression strut are tapered.13. The mast assembly of any preceding claim, wherein: the compression strut comprises a tube with two end portions inserted into respective ends thereof; and each of the two end portions is arranged to receive a fixing means.14. The mast assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more r 15 supports are attached to the connection points via fixing means inserted through the one or more supports and the connection points and into the two end portions. Co15. A method of installing a mast assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a hollow mast having a base end and an upper end; providing two opposed connection points on the hollow mast spaced from the base end; inserting a compression strut into the mast base end so that it extends between the two connection points with at least one end of the compression strut abutting the inner surface of one of the connection points; and supporting the mast base section with one or more supports attached to the connection points.16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of forming the mast by: providing a hollow mast base section having the base end, an upper end, and the two opposed connection points; and mounting one or more upper mast sections on the upper end of the mast base section such that they extend in line therewith.17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: removing the one or more upper mast sections from within the mast base section.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: inserting the one or more upper mast sections into the CV) mast base section.19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast o comprises inserting the compression strut into the base end or the upper end.20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: the mast comprises two opposed strut holes and two connector plates, respectively covering each of the two strut holes; each of the opposed connection points of the mast are formed on a respective connector plates; and the compression strut is held in place within the mast by insertion into the strut holes, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast comprises elastically deforming the mast.21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: inserting two end portions into respective ends of a tube to form the compression strut; and attaching the one or more supports to the connection points by inserting fixing means through the one or more supports and the connection points and into the two end portions.22. The method of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut comprises applying a force directly to the compression strut to thereby force it between the two connection pcints, and then releasing the force.23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the r step of inserting the compression strut comprises appiying a force directly to the mast body to separate the two connection points, inserting the compression strut o therebetween, and reieasing the force.24. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the step of inserting the compression strut into the mast comprises inserting the compression strut through a hole located at a first of the two opposed connection points.25. The method of claim 24, further comprising screwing a thread located at one end of the compression strut into a corresponding thread formed in the hole until the other end of the compression strut abuts a second of the two opposed connection points.</claim-text>
GB1120807.1A 2011-12-01 2011-12-01 A mast assembly and a method of installing a mast assembly Expired - Fee Related GB2497141B (en)

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GB2497141A true GB2497141A (en) 2013-06-05
GB2497141B GB2497141B (en) 2013-12-18

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB356811A (en) * 1929-07-25 1931-09-14 American Tubular Elevator Company
GB468403A (en) * 1936-03-13 1937-07-05 Polaris Ltd Improvements in and relating to tubular poles, masts and posts
US3986474A (en) * 1975-06-27 1976-10-19 Navtec, Inc. Boat stay fastening
WO2001034458A1 (en) * 1999-11-09 2001-05-17 Bsi. A/S Fastening arrangement for fastening stays or shrouds to a boat mast

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB356811A (en) * 1929-07-25 1931-09-14 American Tubular Elevator Company
GB468403A (en) * 1936-03-13 1937-07-05 Polaris Ltd Improvements in and relating to tubular poles, masts and posts
US3986474A (en) * 1975-06-27 1976-10-19 Navtec, Inc. Boat stay fastening
WO2001034458A1 (en) * 1999-11-09 2001-05-17 Bsi. A/S Fastening arrangement for fastening stays or shrouds to a boat mast

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GB2497141B (en) 2013-12-18

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