Date of Submission

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor

Byungik Chang, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A.

Committee Member

Goli Nossoni, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Nikodem Poplawski, Ph.D.

Keywords

Hydraulic Cylinder Positioning, Wind Tower Erection, Load-Bearing Capacity, Energy Consumption, Optimization

LCSH

Hydraulic cylinders, Wind turbines, Bearing capacity, Energy consumption, Multidisciplinary design optimization

Abstract

Wind produced electricity is a rapidly growing field with wind towers serving as critical components. Conventionally, special cranes are commonly used for wind tower erection. This study explores the use of hydraulic cylinders for small-scale wind tower erection. The thesis aims to find the optimal position of hydraulic cylinder connections in a hydraulic erection system for safe and energy-efficient tower erection and retraction and to enhance the performance and longevity of the system.

Structural analysis was conducted to investigate various hydraulic cylinder positioning configurations, ensuring minimal force exertion while maintaining structural integrity. The study included the selection of locally available hydraulic cylinders and the construction of a physical prototype of the hydraulic erection system to measure energy consumption.

This study sheds light on an alternative approach to small-scale wind tower erection, highlighting the significance of hydraulic cylinder positioning for safe and energy-efficient tower erection and retraction. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the wind energy sector's sustainability and performance.

The study identified the optimal connection point at 7.5 feet on the wind tower and 5 feet on the ground, away from the tower's base. Nevertheless, locally available hydraulic cylinders were found to be insufficient for the safe lowering of the tower, prompting the design of custom hydraulic cylinders to ensure both safety and economic feasibility.

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