Development and optimisation of efficient lattice structures for onshore windturbines

Development and optimisation of efficient lattice structures for onshore windturbines
Based on preliminary work on the load-bearing behaviour of hyperbolic lattice towers, the chair of structural design (Prof. Matthias Beckh) developing material-optimised structures for turbine towers for 5MW and above, which combine a number of advantages.
Lattice towers or tubular towers are typically used as a supporting structure of wind turbines. In Germany mostly tubular towers are used because of the short assembly times and the high labour costs. However, these reach their economical limits with larger hub heights. Due to the steadily growing hub heights for weak-wind turbines, there is a huge demand for structural efficient and thus economic solutions for tower heights of 140m and above. 

© Patrick Schäferling

© Patrick Schäferling

The research project focuses on the development of a completely digital-parametric planning workflow in which the individual steps from structural design to production - taking the specific requirements of the turbine and location into account - are covered. 
In addition to lower material consumption and higher possible altitudes, the development also promises a more easy transport and assembly process and better self-stabilisation, even in the assembly state. The lower dynamic pressure, due to the open cross section of the global structure, and the higher rigidity of the tower contribute to significantly lower dynamic loads and thus less material fatigue in both the tower and the rotor blades. In terms of cycle-compatible design, the used standard steel profiles can easily be reused.
The project is being developed in close cooperation with different partners from the wind energy and steel production sector, so it focuses on practical solutions for simple and fast assembly.
The first results of preliminary tests on the performance of the structure will be presented at the "2022 Annual Symposium of International Assosiacion of Shell and Spacial Structures".