Mark S Haller

US Patent:

20060213145, Sep 28, 2006

Filed:

Mar 22, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/087201

Inventors:

Mark Haller - River Falls WI, US

International Classification:

E04H 12/00

US Classification:

052651010

Abstract:

A tower having internal legs and an external skin providing a hybrid of lattice type towers and tubular type towers. The internal legs and the external skin share tower loading in a manner that optimizes the structural design of the tower, thereby providing benefits of both lattice and tubular type towers. A unique pin connection between tower sections is used to transmit loads smoothly and aid in section alignment. Tower sections are constructed from radial segments which may be nested for shipping such that transportation logistical barriers can be overcome for very large or tall wind turbine towers. The tower sections are then assembled on site using a specialized section assembly system which holds segments from both ends while consecutive segments are added to form a complete cylindrical or tapered section. The section assembly system includes a pair of frames that support the tower segments and align them properly during assembly. The section assembly system may be used to assemble a tower section in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation.