Month: March 2021
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Gap or no gap? The new IEC61400-6
How to optimize the design of WTG foundations? As wind turbine loads and foundations size keep increasing year after year sharpening the geotechnical calculations and modelling correctly the interaction between soil and foundation is becoming a priority. The cost of foundations can represent a significant percentage of the investment in a new wind farm –…
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Tower cranes: a real alternative to lattice boom cranes?
The constant search for higher rated power, taller towers and longer blades has pushed wind turbine manufacturers in an arms race to secure a position in an extremely competitive market. Today in the onshore market there are machines with rated power close to 6MW, hub heights in a range of 150-165m and blades longer than…
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Anchor cage design standard assumptions: is there room for optimization?
Since some years ago almost all wind turbine manufacturers (“OEM” – I hate acronyms) have modified their tower to foundation interface. The previous technical solution to connect tower and foundation was based on an embedded steel section (like a “ring” inside the foundation). It did not work properly and the issues caused by this element…