Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines

This study presents the design of a lattice tower for wind turbines with a downwind rotor configuration, intended for operation in low-intensity wind conditions (Class III-B, according to IEC 61400-1). Developed as part of the ABV/Furnas project, the analysis outlines the criteria used to define the...

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Main Authors: James Rojas Waterhouse, Carlos Henrique Gasparetti, Kauan Pires Quevedo, Guilherme Beppu de Souza
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2025-01-01
Series:IEEE Access
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11037777/
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author James Rojas Waterhouse
Carlos Henrique Gasparetti
Kauan Pires Quevedo
Guilherme Beppu de Souza
author_facet James Rojas Waterhouse
Carlos Henrique Gasparetti
Kauan Pires Quevedo
Guilherme Beppu de Souza
author_sort James Rojas Waterhouse
collection DOAJ
description This study presents the design of a lattice tower for wind turbines with a downwind rotor configuration, intended for operation in low-intensity wind conditions (Class III-B, according to IEC 61400-1). Developed as part of the ABV/Furnas project, the analysis outlines the criteria used to define the optimal tower typology, considering structural, aerodynamic, and economic factors. A key challenge in downwind rotor turbines is the wake generated by the flow around the tower, which can negatively affect rotor performance. To address this, a lattice tower with aerodynamic-profiled members was selected. This solution not only reduces aerodynamic interference but also lowers manufacturing, transportation, and assembly costs. The study demonstrates the feasibility and innovations of this approach. It highlights how lattice structures reduce aerodynamic impact, enhancing rotor efficiency. The analysis covers essential structural and geometric parameters, including weight, wind blocking area, ground loading, and their influence on foundation costs. Additionally, the effect of tower geometry on its natural vibration frequency is examined to prevent resonance and ensure long-term structural stability. Various lattice tower configurations are compared to conventional tubular towers, assessing their technical performance. Logistical constraints – such as transportation feasibility, on-site assembly, and limitations of the Brazilian steel market – are also evaluated, ensuring the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the proposed design for deployment in Brazil.
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publishDate 2025-01-01
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spelling doaj-art-80a08b80b71c4f0f82928c042e3707352025-08-20T02:53:06ZengIEEEIEEE Access2169-35362025-01-011310679310680410.1109/ACCESS.2025.358066011037777Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind TurbinesJames Rojas Waterhouse0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1515-7890Carlos Henrique Gasparetti1Kauan Pires Quevedo2Guilherme Beppu de Souza3Department of Aeronautical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, BrazilNewco Blades Technology, São Carlos, São Paulo, BrazilNewco Blades Technology, São Carlos, São Paulo, BrazilNewco Blades Technology, São Carlos, São Paulo, BrazilThis study presents the design of a lattice tower for wind turbines with a downwind rotor configuration, intended for operation in low-intensity wind conditions (Class III-B, according to IEC 61400-1). Developed as part of the ABV/Furnas project, the analysis outlines the criteria used to define the optimal tower typology, considering structural, aerodynamic, and economic factors. A key challenge in downwind rotor turbines is the wake generated by the flow around the tower, which can negatively affect rotor performance. To address this, a lattice tower with aerodynamic-profiled members was selected. This solution not only reduces aerodynamic interference but also lowers manufacturing, transportation, and assembly costs. The study demonstrates the feasibility and innovations of this approach. It highlights how lattice structures reduce aerodynamic impact, enhancing rotor efficiency. The analysis covers essential structural and geometric parameters, including weight, wind blocking area, ground loading, and their influence on foundation costs. Additionally, the effect of tower geometry on its natural vibration frequency is examined to prevent resonance and ensure long-term structural stability. Various lattice tower configurations are compared to conventional tubular towers, assessing their technical performance. Logistical constraints – such as transportation feasibility, on-site assembly, and limitations of the Brazilian steel market – are also evaluated, ensuring the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the proposed design for deployment in Brazil.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11037777/Lattice towerwind turbinesdownwind rotor configurationaerodynamic performancewake effecttower typology
spellingShingle James Rojas Waterhouse
Carlos Henrique Gasparetti
Kauan Pires Quevedo
Guilherme Beppu de Souza
Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
IEEE Access
Lattice tower
wind turbines
downwind rotor configuration
aerodynamic performance
wake effect
tower typology
title Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
title_full Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
title_fullStr Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
title_full_unstemmed Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
title_short Detailed Design of Lattice Tower for Low Speed Wind Turbines
title_sort detailed design of lattice tower for low speed wind turbines
topic Lattice tower
wind turbines
downwind rotor configuration
aerodynamic performance
wake effect
tower typology
url https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11037777/
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AT carloshenriquegasparetti detaileddesignoflatticetowerforlowspeedwindturbines
AT kauanpiresquevedo detaileddesignoflatticetowerforlowspeedwindturbines
AT guilhermebeppudesouza detaileddesignoflatticetowerforlowspeedwindturbines