Connection of metal segments of a tower

• US 20120317918A1
• Filed: 06/14/2012
• Published: 12/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: RASMUSSEN, Anders Nygaard, WINTHER-JENSEN, Martin
• Application Number:
  US13/517,676
• Publication Number:
  US 20120317918A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 52/651.01
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 12/08 of metal
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 12/085 Details of flanges for tubular masts
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/728 Onshore wind turbines
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49623 Static structure, e.g., a building component

Abstract

A method for connecting metal segments of a tower includes 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.

Claims

1. A method for connecting metal segments of a tower, comprising the steps of:

connecting at least two metal segments of the tower via a connecting element,

providing a paste between the tower segments for filling at least a part of a gap between the metal segments, and

curing the paste, wherein the cured paste absorbs at least a part of a load originated by the connected segment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of curing the paste is performed by applying heat.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the provided paste, applied to the gap, and is protected against ambient influence for at least a part of the curing period.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein metal segments of a wind turbine tower are connected.

5. An arrangement for the connection of at least two tower segments of a metallic tower:

a connecting device for connecting the at least two segments,

wherein at least a part of a gap between the segments is filled by a paste which is arranged between the tower segments, and

wherein the paste is cured, so as to absorb at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.

6. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste is prepared to cure at an ambient temperature between −

20°

C. and +30°

C.

7. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste is prepared to cure at a temperature above +30°

C.

8. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste is prepared to cure under the influence of ambient or atmospheric weather conditions like rain, snow or sunshine.

9. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste is prepared for an operating temperature range between −

40°

C. and +60°

C.

10. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste shows a predetermined high flexural resistance and/or a predetermined low creep characteristic.

11. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste is thixotropic before it is cured.

12. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the paste comprises a polymer or a non-shrink grout.

13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the polymer is a polyurethane-hybrid or an epoxy resin or a polymer-bitumen.

14. A wind turbine tower comprising:

a plurality of metallic tower segments, and

an arrangement according to claim 5 for connecting at least two of the tower segments.