Assembling large wind turbine towers involves bringing together prefabricated sections and securing them onsite. The process primarily focuses on stacking and joining the massive steel components that form the height of the structure.
Here is a breakdown of the assembly process for large wind turbine towers based on the provided information:
- Offsite Fabrication, Onsite Assembly: While the individual steel sections that make up the tower are often manufactured in a factory, their final assembly into the full tower structure typically takes place directly at the wind farm site.
- Horizontal Assembly: The large steel parts are joined together while the tower lies in a horizontal position on the ground. This allows workers easier access to connect the heavy sections.
- Bolting the Sections: The primary method for joining the tower sections is by bolting the parts together. This creates a strong, rigid connection capable of supporting the nacelle and rotor.
- Lifting into Position: Once the tower sections are bolted together (while still horizontal), a large crane is used to carefully lift the entire, massive structure into its vertical position on the foundation.
- Final Tightening and Testing: After the tower is successfully lifted and secured vertically, the bolts are thoroughly tightened to ensure the structural integrity. Stability tests are then conducted to confirm the tower can safely stand and support the upper components of the turbine.
| Assembly Step | Description | Position of Tower During Step |
|---|---|---|
| Part Fabrication | Steel sections made (often offsite) | N/A |
| Onsite Assembly | Sections brought together at the site | Horizontal |
| Bolting Sections | Parts connected using bolts | Horizontal |
| Keeping Horizontal | Tower remains flat on the ground | Horizontal |
| Lifting | Crane raises the entire structure into place | Transitioning to Vertical |
| Bolt Tightening | Securing bolts after the tower is vertical | Vertical |
| Stability Testing | Verifying the structural soundness of the erected tower | Vertical |
This systematic process ensures that the multi-ton tower is safely and securely erected, providing the necessary height and support for the rest of the wind turbine components.
