Numerical Modelling of the Self‐Erecting Tower for Onshore Wind Turbines

Abstract Massive wind energy converters are becoming more popular in the market. However, such technologies are troublesome to implement onshore due to logistic issues and costly erection techniques. Hence, industry and research have focused on producing lighter and modular towers to overcome these limitations. The Self‐Erecting Tower (SeT) is made from modular staves that are assembled by an internal crane. This crane is supported by a helicoidal rail attached to the inner face of the staves, allowing it to move along the tower's height to help with erection, maintenance, and future disassembling of the structure. Finite element analyses of the tower and its parts have been performed with the primary objective of assessing the structural feasibility of this innovative concept. A parametric analysis based on the first natural frequency of the tower was performed to define the SeT gross geometry. Later, a specific combination of variables was analysed to evaluate the maximum stresses. A significant level of confidence was achieved through the numerical modelling, confirming that the SeT can support the design actions imposed by a 5 MW wind turbine for 160 m hub height. Lastly, an economic evaluation of the final design was conducted and compared with other traditional solutions.