Adapter Configuration for a Wind Tower Lattice Structure

Abstract

A wind turbine tower includes a lattice tower structure having a plurality of vertically oriented columns and cross-brace members. An adapter is molded onto a top of the lattice tower structure such that top portions of the columns are embedded into the adapter. The adapter may be a concrete member molded onto the lattice tower structure.

1 . A wind turbine tower construction, comprising:
 a lattice structure having a plurality of vertically oriented columns and cross-brace members; and   an adapter molded onto a top of said lattice structure such that top portions of said columns are embedded into said adapter.   
     
     
         2 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 1 , wherein said adapter comprises a settable, hardened material formed onto said top portions of said columns. 
     
     
         3 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 2 , wherein said adapter comprises a concrete member poured and formed onto said top portions of said columns. 
     
     
         4 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 3 , further comprising anchor members attached to said top portions of said columns and embedded in said concrete member. 
     
     
         5 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of anchor bolts configured with said adapter. 
     
     
         6 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 5 , wherein said anchor bolts are pre-tensioned in said adapter. 
     
     
         7 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of threaded inserts in said adapter. 
     
     
         8 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 1 , wherein said adapter is a continuous plate-like member. 
     
     
         9 . The wind turbine tower construction as in  claim 1 , wherein said lattice tower structure comprises a plurality of vertically aligned and connected sections, said adapter pre-molded onto a top one of said sections. 
     
     
         10 . A section of a wind turbine towerconsturction, comprising:
 a plurality of vertically oriented columns and cross-brace members interconnected to define an open lattice structure; and   an adapter molded onto a top of said columns such that top portions of said columns are embedded into said adapter;   wherein said adapter is configured for receipt of a machine head component of a wind turbine.   
     
     
         11 . The section as in  claim 10 , wherein said adapter comprises a settable, hardened material formed onto said top portions of said columns. 
     
     
         12 . The section as in  claim 11 , wherein said adapter comprises a concrete member poured and formed onto said top portions of said columns. 
     
     
         13 . The section as in  claim 12 , further comprising anchor members attached to said top portions of said columns and embedded in said concrete member. 
     
     
         14 . The section as in  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of pre-tensioned anchor bolts embedded into said adapter and configured for receipt of a tubular component. 
     
     
         15 . The section as in  claim 10 , wherein said adapter is a continuous plate-like member. 
     
     
         16 . The section as in  claim 10 , wherein said adapter is a ring member.