US20120317918A1 - Connection of metal segments of a tower - Google Patents

Connection of metal segments of a tower Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120317918A1
US20120317918A1 US13/517,676 US201213517676A US2012317918A1 US 20120317918 A1 US20120317918 A1 US 20120317918A1 US 201213517676 A US201213517676 A US 201213517676A US 2012317918 A1 US2012317918 A1 US 2012317918A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
paste
tower
segments
arrangement according
gap
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/517,676
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English (en)
Inventor
Anders Nygaard Rasmussen
Martin Winther-Jensen
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.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
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 Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Assigned to SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S reassignment SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Rasmussen, Anders Nygaard, WINTHER-JENSEN, MARTIN
Assigned to SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT reassignment SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S
Publication of US20120317918A1 publication Critical patent/US20120317918A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
    • E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
    • E04H12/085—Details of flanges for tubular masts
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49616—Structural member making
    • Y10T29/49623—Static structure, e.g., a building component

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method to connect metal segments of a tower, an arrangement for the connection of at least two tower segments and a wind turbine tower being erected by the method.
  • a tower can be built with a plurality of metal tower segments that are arranged on top of or next to each other. These tower segments are connected by connecting elements like screws, bolts, splice and/or by the help of additional plates often along flanges at the sides of the tower segments.
  • a tower for example a wind turbine tower, often has more than 2 meters in diameter. With a diameter bigger than 2 meters the segments have to be machined very precisely to avoid gaps in the connection where the tower segments are connected together. Thus the production of the tower segments can be very expensive.
  • Gaps in the flanges of the tower lead to a faster fatigue damage in the screws and bolts and the tower. This results in a shorter lifetime of the tower.
  • the interior of the tower often comprises electric equipment and is therefore kept on a predetermined level of temperature and humidity. Depending on the location where the tower is erected sand and dust or the salty spray of the sea have to be kept out of the tower.
  • connections of the tower segments should be airtight and/or watertight.
  • the tower segments must be re-machined to minimize the gap. For this the tower segment is transported to a workshop or is re-machined on site.
  • An aim of the illustrated embodiments is to provide a method to connect tower segments with a tight connection that allows less effort in the precision in machining the tower segments and to provide a tower erected by this method.
  • Metal segments of a tower are connected comprising the steps of connecting at least two metal segments of the tower by the use of connecting elements.
  • a paste is provided between the tower segments for filling at least a part of a gap between the segments.
  • the paste is cured wherein the cured paste absorbs at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.
  • the paste at least partially absorbs the load, thus the paste at least partially incorporates the load.
  • the load may be at least partially neutralized by the paste and/or the load might be at least partially transferred from one segment to the other segment.
  • the gap present in the connection between connected segments is filled.
  • the gaps are closed and the ambient atmospheric influence is kept out of the tower.
  • the paste absorbs at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.
  • the load transfer over the gap is improved.
  • the fatigue of the connecting elements is reduced and the life-time of the connecting elements is increased.
  • the connecting elements can be screws or bolts. Thus the connection is detachable.
  • the step of curing the paste may be performed by applying heat.
  • a paste can be used that cures with a higher temperature than the ambient temperature.
  • a paste with different properties can be used, like higher fatigue strength, a higher flexural resistance or a different creep characteristic.
  • The may be applied to the tower segments and the tower segments can than be adjusted. After the adjusting is finished the paste is cured. Thus the paste is cured at a predetermined time. Thus the time for adjusting the tower segments can be easily extended.
  • At least a part of the provided paste, applied to the gap, is protected against ambient influence for at least a part of the curing period.
  • a paste can be used that has to be protected against ambient influence in at least a part of the curing time.
  • a paste with different properties can be used, like higher fatigue strength, a higher flexural resistance or a different creep characteristic.
  • Wind turbine towers are often erected in areas with extreme ambient and weather conditions.
  • wind turbine towers that are erected off-shore have to be protected against the salt in the air.
  • electronic equipment within the tower is protected from extreme ambient and weather conditions.
  • connection means In an arrangement for the connection of at least two tower segments at least two segments of a metal tower are connected by connection means. A paste is arranged between the tower segments thus at least a part of a gap between the segments is filled. The cured paste is prepared to absorb at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.
  • the paste may be prepared to cure at an ambient temperature between ⁇ 20° C. and +30° C.
  • the paste does not need an additional source of heat to cure.
  • no heating equipment is needed during installation.
  • the time to install and de-install the heating equipment is saved.
  • the paste may be prepared to cure at a temperature above +30° C.
  • different types of pastes can be used with different properties.
  • a paste with a higher flexural resistance or a paste with a lower creep characteristic can be used.
  • the properties of the paste can be optimized for the desired use.
  • the paste may be prepared to cure under the influence of ambient or atmospheric weather conditions like rain, snow or sunshine.
  • the paste can cure under the weather conditions present at the site where the tower segments are connected.
  • the paste cures under the influence of rain, snow, salt in the air or high humidity in the air.
  • the paste does not have to be protected against weather and ambient conditions present.
  • no cover is needed to protect the paste.
  • the time to install and un-install the cover is saved.
  • the paste may be prepared for an operating temperature range between ⁇ 40° C. and +60° C.
  • the paste will show its properties under the ambient temperature present in the place where the tower segments are connected or the tower is erected later on.
  • the paste can be used at most of the sites where tower segments or towers with segments are used. Thus the paste does not have to be protected after it is cured. Thus no additional protection is needed and the time to install a protection material is saved.
  • the paste may show a predetermined high flexural resistance and/or a predetermined low creep characteristic.
  • the paste has enough strength to absorb loads from the tower segments, without changing its form or place when absorbing a load. Furthermore the paste will stay in place after it is cured and will not move under the influence of the load. Thus no additional coverage to hold the paste in place is needed.
  • the paste may be thixotropic before it is cured.
  • the paste can adapt a low viscosity under the influence of mechanical forces.
  • the paste can be placed easily between the tower segments, especially in gaps.
  • the paste can also reach into fine gaps and small openings.
  • the low viscosity will change to a higher viscosity when no further mechanical forces are applied.
  • the paste will stay in place until it is cured.
  • the paste will not be thixotrophic after it is cured.
  • the paste can absorb load after it is cured without changing its viscosity.
  • the paste comprises a polymer or a non-shrink grout.
  • the polymer is a condensation polymer, an addition polymer or a polymerizate.
  • a non-shrink grout shows a very high vibration resistance.
  • a paste comprising a non-shrink grout can be used in towers with a high load in vibration like for example in wind turbine towers.
  • a non-shrink grout cures under normal ambient temperatures, like they are present at an erection site.
  • a paste comprising non-shrink grout can cure under conditions present at the site where the connection between the tower segments is made.
  • this paste does not need a heating to cure.
  • the time and cost to provide and install a heating is saved.
  • the polymer may be a polyurethane-hybrid or an epoxy resin or a polymer-bitumen.
  • a polyurethane-hybrid shows a great hardness, a good resistance to chemicals, great stability of the dispersion over a wide pH range, good freeze-thaw stability.
  • the polyurethane-hybrid is suitable for a wide range of weather conditions, like cold and humid climate, or salty environment.
  • a polyurethane hybrid shows a very good adhesion to steel.
  • the connection between the paste and the tower segments will be very strong.
  • the paste can support the tower segments very good.
  • the fatigue effect on the connecting elements is very low.
  • a polyurethane hybrid can be a polyurethane resin shows a high range of working temperature, like for example from ⁇ 40° C. to +100° C.
  • a paste comprising a polyurethane resin can be used also for very low temperature areas and also for very hot climates.
  • the tower when applied to a wind turbine tower the tower can also be erected in very northerly sites with very good wind conditions.
  • An epoxy resin can cure under normal ambient and atmospheric conditions that are present on the erection site of the tower. Thus the gap with the paste applied does not have to be covered during the curing period.
  • a polymer-bitumen shows hydrophobic properties.
  • a paste comprising a polymer-bitumen shows a water repellant effect.
  • the paste can be used under the influence of a climate with a high humidity, like rain.
  • a polymer-bitumen is very stabile under the influence of light acids or bases.
  • a paste comprising polymer-bitumen can be used under conditions where light acids or light bases are present.
  • the paste can be used in areas with a certain air pollution like in industrial surroundings.
  • the paste can also be used to connect metal tower elements for towers like chimneys.
  • a wind turbine tower contains at least one arrangement for the connection of at least two tower segments.
  • a wind turbine tower takes in a huge load from the wind which has to be transferred from the nacelle through the tower to the foundation of the tower.
  • a wind turbine tower may need a strong connection between the tower segments.
  • a wind turbine tower can show a diameter of more than 2 meters.
  • the flanges or the connections between the tower segments are very expensive when they are machined so precisely that they show no gaps after connecting.
  • the stability and the life-time of a wind turbine tower is increased by applying a paste that is prepared to absorb at least a part of the loads originated by the connected segments.
  • FIG. 1 shows a connection of two tower segments with the paste applied
  • FIG. 2 shows a different view of the two tower segments with the paste applied
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the connection invented
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the step of heating the paste
  • FIG. 5 shows the step of protecting the paste against ambient influence.
  • FIG. 1 shows a connection of two tower segments 1 with the paste 4 applied.
  • the two tower segments 1 are connected by the use of connecting means 2 at a flange 3 to build a tower.
  • connecting means 2 At the connection between the two flanges 3 there is a gap between the two tower segments 1 .
  • the gap is filled with a paste 4 .
  • the connecting means 2 are in this case bolts. On the bolt there is a certain load due to the stress in the tower, vibrations and movement of the tower due to the force of wind.
  • the paste 4 is supporting the two tower segments 1 , so that the load present in the tower segments 1 is transferred from one segment to the other segment.
  • the movement of the flanges 3 along the bolts 2 is reduced and the lifetime of the connecting elements 2 and the tower segments 1 is improved.
  • the paste 4 can be applied from both sides of the flanges 3 .
  • the paste 4 can be applied in a state of very low viscosity, so that the paste can easily flow into the gap, also in areas where the gap is narrow. After resting in the gap, the viscosity increases and the paste 4 will stay in the gap.
  • the influence of ambient and atmospheric conditions like rain, snow, humidity and wind on the inner space of the tower is reduced.
  • the tower is erected off-shore or onshore close to the sea, also the entry of salty spray is reduced.
  • FIG. 2 shows a different view of the two tower segments 1 with the paste 4 applied.
  • a tower segment 1 is connected to another tower segment 1 at flanges 3 by the use of connecting elements 2 .
  • the gap present between the tower segments 1 is filled with a paste 4 that is prepared to support the tower segments 1 when it is cured.
  • the supporting paste 4 helps to transfer the load from one tower segment to the other and thereby reduced the fatigue of the connecting elements 2 .
  • the lifetime of the connecting elements 2 and the tower segments 1 is improved.
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the connection invented.
  • the two tower segments 1 are connected by the help of connecting elements 2 .
  • the connecting elements are bolts and an element that reaches from one tower segments 1 to the other tower segment 1 .
  • a gap is filled with a paste 4 .
  • This paste 4 is prepared to support the tower segments 1 in a way that the load present in one tower segment 1 can be transferred to the other tower segment 1 .
  • stress on the connecting elements 2 is reduced and the life-time of the connecting elements 2 is improved.
  • the paste 4 As the paste 4 is filling the gap the influence of ambient and atmospheric conditions on the inner space of the tower is reduced.
  • the paste can easily be applied from one side of the tower wall.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the step of heating the paste 4 .
  • the drawing shows the connection of two tower segments 1 that are connected by the help of connecting elements 2 .
  • the paste 4 is applied to the gap between the two tower elements 1 .
  • the paste 4 filled in the gap can be heated by a heating device 5 .
  • a heating device 5 like a heater mat, is attached to one side of the connection. So the paste 4 present in the gap at the connection can be heated during at least a part of the curing time.
  • FIG. 5 shows the step of protecting the paste 4 against ambient influence.
  • the drawing shows the connection of two tower segments 1 that are connected by the help of connecting elements 2 .
  • the paste 4 is applied to the gap between the two tower elements 1 .
  • the paste 4 in the gap is protected against the influence of the ambient or atmospheric conditions by a cover 6 that is attached to one of the tower elements 1 and is reaching over the gap and the paste 4 .
  • This cover can be a tarpaulin or a strip of a plastic foil. It can be attached after the paste 4 is applied and can be removed after the paste 4 is cured. This is necessary, when the paste 4 has to be protected against ambient or atmospheric influences like snow, rain, high humidity or salt in the air during the period of curing.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)
US13/517,676 2011-06-14 2012-06-14 Connection of metal segments of a tower Abandoned US20120317918A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EPEP11169778 2011-06-14
EP11169778A EP2535485A1 (fr) 2011-06-14 2011-06-14 Connexion de segments métalliques d'une tour

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120317918A1 true US20120317918A1 (en) 2012-12-20

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/517,676 Abandoned US20120317918A1 (en) 2011-06-14 2012-06-14 Connection of metal segments of a tower

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US (1) US20120317918A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2535485A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9091098B2 (en) * 2010-07-13 2015-07-28 Andresen Towers A/S Method of assembling a tubular building structure by using screw sockets
US10138648B2 (en) 2015-01-09 2018-11-27 Tindall Corporation Tower and method for assembling tower
US20190003199A1 (en) * 2015-06-26 2019-01-03 Eno Energy Systems Gmbh Subsection of a tower section, a tower and a method for manufacturing a subsection of a tower section
US20220010779A1 (en) * 2018-11-02 2022-01-13 Tp-Products As A flange element, a flange connection comprising such flange elements and a tower structure
US11542923B1 (en) * 2022-05-10 2023-01-03 Samuel Messinger Wind turbine nacelle and tower redesign for extreme loads and remote servicing and surveillance drone

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9689175B2 (en) * 2013-02-05 2017-06-27 Tindall Corporation Tower assembly and method for assembling tower structure
EP3933147A1 (fr) 2020-07-02 2022-01-05 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Bride

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10223429C1 (de) * 2002-05-25 2003-05-28 Aloys Wobben Flanschverbindung
WO2006005323A1 (fr) * 2004-07-09 2006-01-19 Krupp Stahlbau Hannover Gmbh Structure tubulaire, et procede pour eriger cette structure tubulaire

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9091098B2 (en) * 2010-07-13 2015-07-28 Andresen Towers A/S Method of assembling a tubular building structure by using screw sockets
US9175494B2 (en) 2010-07-13 2015-11-03 Andresen Towers A/S Method of assembling a tubular building structure by using screw sockets
US10138648B2 (en) 2015-01-09 2018-11-27 Tindall Corporation Tower and method for assembling tower
US20190003199A1 (en) * 2015-06-26 2019-01-03 Eno Energy Systems Gmbh Subsection of a tower section, a tower and a method for manufacturing a subsection of a tower section
US10641000B2 (en) * 2015-06-26 2020-05-05 Eno Energy Systems Gmbh Subsection of a tower section, a tower and a method for manufacturing a subsection of a tower section
US20220010779A1 (en) * 2018-11-02 2022-01-13 Tp-Products As A flange element, a flange connection comprising such flange elements and a tower structure
US11873793B2 (en) * 2018-11-02 2024-01-16 Tp-Products As Flange element, a flange connection comprising such flange elements and a tower structure
US11542923B1 (en) * 2022-05-10 2023-01-03 Samuel Messinger Wind turbine nacelle and tower redesign for extreme loads and remote servicing and surveillance drone

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2535485A1 (fr) 2012-12-19

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AS Assignment

Owner name: SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S, DENMARK

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RASMUSSEN, ANDERS NYGAARD;WINTHER-JENSEN, MARTIN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120330 TO 20120521;REEL/FRAME:028373/0004

AS Assignment

Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S;REEL/FRAME:028642/0966

Effective date: 20120626

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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