FACT SHEETGE Power & Water

IntroductionGE is pleased to introduce the space frame tower, a logistics-friendly taller tower with an installation cycle time, aesthetic and service profile comparable to conventional tubular towers. Available for the 2.5/2.75-120 at 139m hub height, the space frame tower can be easily delivered to, and assembled at any project site, including those where terrain makes movement of traditional tower sections difficult.

GE’s space frame tower provides a global solution for the taller tower challenge - taking into account fabrication, long distance transportation, assembly and installation, as well as lifecycle considerations.

Serial production is planned for 2015.

Stress-free logisticsUnlike conventional tubular steel towers, which require specialized trailers and permits, complex logistics planning, and are subject to restricted movement time frames, the elements of the space frame tower are transported via standard 12.2m (40’) shipping containers or flatbed trailers. The result is predictable, efficient tower delivery across the globe to keep your project on schedule.

Solid structure aestheticsGE’s space frame tower has an architectural fabric covering, or cladding, which provides the aesthetic of a solid structure tower in a structurally efficient lattice design. This may benefit projects which have a permit with conventional tower design. The cladding provides protection from the weather for tower internals and service personnel, while allowing useful ambient light to pass through.

Competitive installation cycleUsing specialized fixtures and applying lean principles, the space frame tower at 139m hub height will be assembled and installed with an overall cycle time comparable to tubular steel towers of the same hub height. With a first unit turbine completion cycle of 7 days, and subsequent unit cycle time of 4 days, a project can enjoy the benefits of space frame tower modular design, without sacrificing speed of installation. If desired, the towers may be installed alone, in advance of final turbine installation, providing flexibility during project execution.

Space Frame Tower

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GEAXXX (2/2014)

Renewable Energy

Service and MaintenanceAt 139m hub height, the space frame tower is assembled with maintenance-free structural fasteners. Every tower is equipped with a specialized lift which can track along 4 of the 5 tower legs, as well as a hoist for tools and equipment. The expanded tower footprint allows for easy access to down tower cabinets and placement of the transformer inside the tower.

FoundationsSuitable foundation styles range from a simple “raft” style, which is relatively shallow, with minimal (3m total) extension beyond the space frame tower’s structural footprint, to a pile or cap-and-pile configuration, suitable in poor or rocky soil conditions.

CertificationsThe 139m space frame tower will be certified to both DIBt and IEC standards.

120 meters

139

met

ers

Foundation

Main crane

Pre assemblyfixture

2

Pre assemblyfixture

1

Pre assemblycrane

Pre assemblycrane

Tailing crane

Minimum networking area

- 80m

-

- 49.5m -