by Rebecca Walker — February 23, 2011—General Electric Co. (GE) announced it has acquired next generation technology from Wind Tower Systems, LLC (WTS) that is expected to enable taller wind turbine towers. The need for taller, cost-efficient towers is becoming an important factor in the wind industry as blade lengths increase, notes GE.
WTS has been working on the development of the space frame tower system technology for use at wind farm sites that require hub heights of 100 meters or more. The space frame tower technology is a highly engineered and optimized structure that will handle the unique static and dynamic loads generated by wind turbines.
WTS also has been developing innovative ways to transport and install these taller wind turbine towers. The space frame technology will use standard flatbed trucks. Hi Jack system technology can eliminate the need for heavy lift cranes during installation. These new technologies offer the ability to cost effectively extend the tower height, which in turn enables the turbine to produce more energy.
Plans are underway to install a prototype of the GE’s space frame tower system technology to validate and test its design later this year with commercial availability targeted for 2012. For more information, see the GE Web site.