An Innovative Solution for High Hub Heights
Bolted Steel Shell Tower
Higher towers significantly increase the energy yield of
a wind turbine generator on sites with a high wind shear.
At the same time, they pose considerable challenges in
terms of transportability and costs. Siemens offers an innovative and economically viable tower concept to allow
its wind turbines reach heights above 100 m.
The Bolted Steel Shell Tower consists of multiple tower sections, mounted on top of each other (Figure 1). Each section is
made out of steel shells which are assembled together on site.
ed together with HRC (tension-controlled) bolts to form a tower section (Figure 2).
Depending on the hub height, the towers are constructed of 9
or more sections with a bottom diameter of 8 m or more.
The modular space concept of the Bolted Steel Shell Tower allows for very high hub heights (in excess of 140 m) with very
low transportation requirements. The tower is erected in a
short time and requires minimal maintenance. In fact, the HRC
bolts require no re-torquing during the tower’s lifetime.
The steel shells are produced from bended steel plates and
can be transported to site with standard trucks. They are bolt-
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The tower includes a lift and ladder to reach the nacelle. A transformer
unit can be installed within the tower. The door has standard dimensions
to allow for the exchange of internal components. The tower can be fitted
with aviation warning lights which can be bolted to the outside tower
wall at any horizontal section connection.
Figure 2. 3-D model and top-view of a tower section showing the steel shells
The Bolted Steel Shell Tower features the following key benefits:
• Virtually no restriction on the maximum hub height, as long as a
suitable crane is available
• Low steel requirement compared to tubular steel towers through the
combination of larger tower diameters, high-strength steel and
reduced material thickness
• The possibility to use steel coils which are cheaper than quarto steel
plates
• An automated shell production process which ensures high quality and
reduced costs
• Easy transportation of shells on standard trailers, in containers or by
rail, facilitating access to even remote locations
• Fast and easy installation using tension-controlled HRC bolts and preinstalled internals (tower erection within a couple of days)
• No welded connections which reduces the risk of errors and long-term
problems with fatigue and crack initiation
• Fully recyclable tower (material value is retained)
• No service maintenance of bolt connections necessary
• Effective corrosion protection, tower sealing and dehumidification
solutions
Product roadmap
• First prototype installed in May 2011
• Serial production in 2012
For more information, please contact
your Customer Support Center for your
local Siemens sales representative.
Published by and copyright © 2011:
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Freyeslebenstrasse 1
91058 Erlangen, Germany
Siemens Wind Power
Lindenplatz 2
20099 Hamburg, Germany
Customer Support Center
Phone: +49 180 524 70 00
E-mail: support.energy@siemens.com
All rights reserved.
Figure 1. Bolted Steel Shell
Tower with 9 sections
All rights reserved.
Subject to change without prior notice.
The information in this document contains
general descriptions of the technical options
available, which may not apply in all cases.
The required technical options should therefore
be specified in the contract.
Wind Power Division
Order no. E50001-E310-A193-X-4A00
siemens.com/wind
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