Guy-less tilt-up towers for Air turbines [RE-wrenches]

John Raynes john at raynes.com
Thu May 2 16:11:13 PDT 2002


<x-flowed>
Hello Wrenches,

I have a question for the group that's been bugging me.  I come across a 
lot of potential small wind customers who will not buy if it involves guyed 
towers.  Usually they're in communities without lots of land, plus there 
are the questions about how they look, people tripping over wires, etc.  I 
know of the guy-less lattice towers for the larger machines, but those are 
overkill (height, weight, and cost-wise) when considering an Air403 or 
Air-X.  We've searched high and low for some design that's in the 25-50' 
range, readily adaptable to the Air turbines, but we're stumped.  SW 
doesn't feel that this is an issue they need to address.

It seems as if the only solutions are
	1) the roof mount kit (enough's already been said about that),
	2) "just sink a pole, man", or
	3) "deal with guy wires and stop whining"

I reluctantly steer toward #2, but there are still two major 
problems.  First, there's the question of access, and I always tell folks 
to plan on servicing with some regularity.  Without tilt-up, that's often 
not practical once you get above 20-25' or so.  Second, it's not an 
engineered solution, and I'm concerned about liability.  I'm not a 
mechanical designer, so I'm hesitant to bank on my judgement when it comes 
to tall tower structures, without going for overkill, probably way more 
expensive than is needed.

Anybody aware of cost-effective solutions for guy-less Air tilt-up 
towers?   I don't mind if there's 5-10' of spread at the bottom for 
bracing, nor do I mind if there's pipe welding needed to reduce down from 
fatter poles at the base.  I'm just looking for a design that's been tested 
by someone who's given it the proper thought.  I'll buy plans, kits, whatever.

Thanks,
John Raynes
RE Solar
Sandy, UT

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================


</x-flowed>



More information about the RE-wrenches mailing list