阅读说明：本技术 包括桅杆的塔架 (Tower comprising a mast ) 是由 J·A·科洛马卡尔沃 于 2019-10-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了塔架,其包括具有上法兰和下法兰、塔架壁的第一塔架分段以及桅杆。桅杆包括梯子,并且桅杆不被附连到塔架壁。还提供了用于将桅杆安装在塔架中的方法。(A tower is provided comprising a first tower section having upper and lower flanges, a tower wall, and a mast. The mast comprises a ladder and is not attached to the tower wall. A method for installing a mast in a tower is also provided.)

1. A tower, comprising:

a first tower section having an upper flange, a lower flange, and a tower wall; and

a mast, wherein the mast comprises a ladder; and is

The mast comprises a top end and a bottom end, the top end being connected to the upper flange or service platform and the bottom end being connected to the lower flange such that the mast is not attached to the tower wall.

2. The tower of claim 1 wherein the tower comprises a second tower section, wherein the second tower section is connected to the first tower section at a flange.

3. The tower according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the mast comprises a plurality of mast modules stacked on top of each other or assembled to each other.

4. The tower of any of claims 1-3, wherein the tower comprises a service platform supported by the upper flange or the lower flange.

5. The tower of any of claims 1-4, further comprising a plurality of brackets supporting the mast to the service platform, wherein a bracket comprises a body configured to at least partially surround a cross-section of the ladder.

6. The tower of any one of claims 1-5 wherein the mast comprises a first longitudinal trapezoidal beam, a second longitudinal trapezoidal beam, and a brace connecting the first and second trapezoidal beams.

7. The tower of claim 6 wherein said brace arms are pivotally connected to the trapezoidal beams in a manner that allows the trapezoidal beams to move relative to each other.

8. The tower according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising a support beam for the mast, wherein the support beam is arranged transversely to the tower section and is detachably connected to the flange and the mast.

9. The tower of claim 10, further comprising a service lift associated with the mast, wherein an elevator car travels laterally relative to the mast and in the same direction as the length of the mast.

10. The tower of claim 1 wherein said mast is connected to said tower section only by said upper flange and said lower flange.

11. The tower of claim 1 wherein said mast is connected to said tower section only through said service platform and said lower flange.

12. A method for mounting a mast on a tower according to any of claims 1-11, comprising:

assembling a plurality of mast modules one after the other;

connecting the top end of the mast to an upper flange or service platform and the bottom end of the mast to a lower flange of the tower section.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the tower section is made of steel, the method further comprising:

providing a horizontally arranged tower section;

detachably connecting the support beam with the flange;

the mast module is detachably connected to the support beam.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

introducing a mast module into the tower section when the module is in a collapsed configuration;

moving the ladder beams away from each other so that the mast module adopts an expanded configuration.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the tower section is made of concrete, the method further comprising:

providing a vertically arranged tower section;

introducing a plurality of assembled mast modules into the cavity of the tower section.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to towers. The present disclosure further relates to a method for installing a mast in a tower.

Background

Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply power to the grid. Wind turbines typically include a rotor mounted atop a wind turbine tower, the rotor having a rotor hub and a plurality of blades. The rotor is set to rotate on the blades by the wind. Operation of the generator produces electricity that is supplied to the grid.

The tower may be made up of cylindrical or frusto-conical segments mounted on top of each other. In the case of a wind turbine, for example, a plurality of successively stacked segments may be welded together and/or connected by flanges (or the like) to form the entire tower. Tower sections can be found in both steel and concrete wind turbine towers.

Typically, wind turbine towers include an interior having components such as power and communication cables for transmitting power and signals to and from the generator. It is also possible to provide service elevators with rigid rails or guide wires, lighting inside the tower, service platforms and ladders. All those components may be welded or bolted to the tower sections at several intermediate points along the sections, which may reduce the fatigue resistance of the tower. Therefore, it may be necessary to increase the thickness of the walls of these segments to meet fatigue resistance requirements.

Further, the tower sections may have connectors along their length to attach components or auxiliary structures. The presence of the connector both adds complexity and slows down the manufacturing process.

The above-mentioned components are attached to the tower along the inner wall of the tower section. Thus, even if the tower is internally sloped, the components must adapt to the shape of the inner wall. This can affect the ladder and service elevator. Elevators are typically arranged in such a way that: the distance from the elevator to the ladder for evacuation purposes is less than a predetermined value. In this way, in the event of a failure of the elevator, the person in the elevator can relatively easily leave the elevator car and move to the ladder.

Since the ladder is mounted on the inner wall, the ladder must follow the contour of the tower wall even if the wall is sloped or inclined. In order to maintain the distance for evacuation purposes, the elevator path must in those cases be adapted to follow the ladder path. The latter may imply that the elevator path is forced to a certain extent, e.g. by adopting a tilted or twisted configuration, so that the guiding elements (tensioned cables) of the elevator may become unstable and less reliable throughout the life cycle of the product.

In some known solutions, particularly when the tower wall has a slope, the ladder may be installed by means of sections defined between a series of platforms. In this way, each part of the ladder can be kept in a vertical orientation, i.e. not tilted with respect to the axial direction of the tower, while a minimum safety distance between the ladder and the tower wall is met. However, the resulting ladder is not continuous, meaning that the ladder does not provide a straight and vertical evacuation path. On each platform, one trapdoor must be provided and the user must open it on the way down. Also, the distance between the elevator car and the ladder may vary along the height of the tower, which may lead to more complicated evacuation or rescue operations.

The present disclosure provides examples of ladders, towers and methods that address, at least in part, some of the above-described disadvantages. Even though specific reference is made to wind turbine towers, and the system described herein may be particularly suited for wind turbine towers, it should be clear that implementations in other towers are also envisioned.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, a tower is provided. The tower comprises a first tower section having upper and lower flanges, a tower wall, and a mast, wherein the mast comprises a ladder and the mast is not attached to the tower wall.

The tower may comprise a first tower section having an upper flange, a lower flange and a tower wall, and a mast. The mast may comprise a ladder and the mast may comprise a top end and a bottom end, the top end being connected to the upper flange or the service platform and the bottom end being connected to the lower flange such that the mast is not attached to the tower wall.

According to this aspect, a tower with a mast is obtained, which mast does not require intermediate connections with the tower sections and can therefore not affect the fatigue resistance of the tower.

Due to the absence of intermediate linking elements, connectors on the inner wall of the tower section are not required. The tower section according to this aspect may be produced faster than in known solutions. Especially for tower sections made of steel, the sections can be released from the welding roll station and moved earlier to the painting cabin, which results in a better utilization of the production capacity of the tower plant.

In one example, the mast may be connected to the upper and lower flanges of the tower section. In another example, the mast may be connected to the upper flange and to the lower flange by a platform. Thus, in those instances where the mast is not attached to the tower wall. The mast is not directly attached to the tower wall, nor is it supported on the tower wall in any way. Furthermore, the tower does not have any intermediate connection between the mast and the tower wall.

The mast of the tower can be arranged substantially vertically along the tower and can be integrated in parallel with the service lift, so that no lift is required to accommodate tilting of the tower wall or twisting the entire path. The ladders may be arranged substantially vertically, and thus the service elevator may travel upwards or downwards in a substantially completely vertical direction, while maintaining a distance for evacuation purposes. The elevator path does not have to adopt an inclined or twisted configuration to maintain a suitable distance from the ladder. Elevator systems comprising e.g. tensioned guide cables may be more stable and reliable.

The mast of the tower may be a continuous mast, thus providing a straight and vertical evacuation path. Trapdoors (trapdoor) in the platform floor can be replaced with guardrails mounted in the mast, eliminating obstacles in the evacuation path. The evacuation can therefore be faster and safer.

The masts of the present disclosure can be used for concrete and steel towers or even for combinations thereof.

In some examples of towers, the mast may be supported by upper and lower flanges (rather than at any point along the wall between the flanges). Thus, a semi-floating mast can be obtained with respect to the tower.

In some examples, the tower may further include a plurality of brackets supporting the mast to the service platform, wherein the brackets include a body configured to at least partially surround the cross-section of the ladder. Thus, the cradle can carry vertical loads from the mast, while the lowermost portion of the mast does not have to carry all of the weight of the mast. The size of the lowermost part of the mast can thus be reduced.

In some examples, the tower may be a wind turbine tower.

In another further aspect, a method for installing a mast in a tower according to any of the examples disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises assembling a plurality of mast modules one after the other and connecting the mast to the upper or lower flange of the tower.

The method for mounting a mast on a tower may comprise assembling a plurality of mast modules one after the other; the top end of the mast is connected to the upper flange or service platform and the bottom end of the mast is connected to the lower flange of the tower section.

Thanks to this method, no intermediate connection between the mast and the tower wall is required, so that an easier installation of the mast than in known solutions is obtained. Thus, a time and cost saving approach may be achieved.

In some examples of the method wherein the tower section is made of steel, the method may further comprise: providing a horizontally arranged tower section; the support beam is removably connected to the flange and the mast module is removably connected to the support beam. In this case, the operator may install the mast in a horizontal arrangement, such as on the ground. The operator does not need to work at height, but needs to raise it to such a height so that they can work in safer conditions.

In some examples, the method may further comprise: introducing the mast module into the tower section when the module is in the collapsed configuration; the ladder beams are moved away from each other so that the mast module can adopt an expanded configuration. Since the mast module is foldable, organization and handling during its installation is easier.

Throughout this disclosure, expressions such as above, below, upper, top, bottom, lower, etc., are to be understood by reference to the construction of the elevator or the like in the operating condition.

Drawings

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a view of an example of a wind turbine;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tower section of the wind turbine of FIG. 1 with a portion of a mast according to an example;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of the tower section of FIG. 2 from a different perspective;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of the tower section of FIG. 2;

5A-5C schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of tower sections with different relative arrangements of mast and elevator;

6A-6G schematically illustrate several positions of a mast module of a tower from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration according to an example;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a partial view of the tower section of FIG. 2 with a platform and a mast;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a partial view of the tower section of FIG. 2 with a mast and a support beam;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a partial view of the tower section of FIG. 8 with a mast and a support beam from a different perspective;

10-14 schematically illustrate several steps for mounting a portion of a mast on a tower section according to an example;

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a portion of a mast being introduced into a tower section according to a further example; and

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a partial view of a mast disposed through two different tower sections according to yet another example.

Detailed Description

In these figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote matching elements. Some components are not illustrated for clarity.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a view of an example of a wind turbine 100. As shown, wind turbine 100 includes a tower 101, a nacelle 103 mounted on tower 101, a hub 104 connected to nacelle 103, and a number of blades 102 connected to hub 104. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the generator may generate electrical energy inside the nacelle 103. Power and communication cables for transmitting power and signals to and from the generator may run through the interior of tower 101.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of tower section 105 of wind turbine 100 in FIG. 1 with a portion of mast 2 according to an example. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of tower section 105 in FIG. 2 from a different perspective.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of tower section 105 in FIG. 2.

The tower 101 may be made of a plurality of tower sections 105 on top of each other. The tower section 105 may be cylindrical, frustoconical, or generally annular.

According to an aspect, an example of a tower 101 is provided. The tower 101 comprises a first tower section 105 and a mast 2, the first tower section 105 having an upper flange 113 and a lower flange 106, a tower wall 114. The mast 2 comprises ladders 24, 25 (see e.g. fig. 6). And mast 2 is not attached to tower wall 114.

The tower 101 may comprise a second tower section 112, wherein the second tower section 112 may be connected to the first tower section 105 at flanges 106, 113, see e.g. fig. 16.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, an upper flange 113 and a lower flange 106 are provided at opposite ends of the tower section 105, respectively. In one example, the mast 2 may be supported by upper and lower flanges 113, 106.

In a further example, tower section 105 may include service platform 4, and mast 2 may be at least partially supported by service platform 4. In fig. 2, 4, 7, an example can be seen in which the mast is partially supported by the service platform 4.

The tower may include a service platform supported by the upper or lower flange.

The platform 4 may comprise a mast opening 41 through which the mast 2 may pass. In fig. 7, an example of the mast aperture 41 is clearly shown.

In the example in fig. 2, 4, 7, the service platform 4 is located along the length of the tower 101 in a cavity 107 defined by the inside of the tower wall 114. Furthermore, an example can be seen in fig. 2, 4, 7, where the mast 2 is connected to the platform 4 in such a way that at least a part of the mast 2 can be suspended from the platform 4 in use.

In some non-illustrated examples, the service platform 4 may be supported by the upper or lower flanges 113, 106. Alternatively, the service platform 4 may be attached to the tower wall 114.

In a further example, the platform 4 may be positioned substantially at the top of the tower 101 and the flange, which may be connected to the mast 2, may be positioned substantially at the bottom of the tower. The flanges connected to the mast do not necessarily belong to the same tower section where the platform is located. For example, in a not illustrated example, the mast may be connected to both the platform of the uppermost tower section and the flange of the lowermost tower section.

In the example of fig. 2 and 3, the platform 4 is located substantially at the top of the tower section 105 and the mast 2 is connected to a lower flange 106 located substantially at the bottom of the tower section 105.

As can be seen in fig. 2 and 3, the flanges 106, 113 are arranged inside the cavity 107.

In some examples, the tower 101 may further include a plurality of brackets 3 supporting the mast 2 to the service platform 4, wherein the brackets 3 may include a body configured to at least partially surround the cross-section of the ladders 24, 25. The latter can be seen in fig. 7, where the support 3 is also shown arranged on top of the platform 3, in particular connected to each ladder 24, 25. The support 3 may carry vertical loads from the ladders 24, 25 and transfer the loads to the platform 4 and tower section 105 (see e.g. fig. 2). Thus, the lowest module 21 of the mast does not have to bear all the weight of the mast 2.

The example of the support 3 illustrated in fig. 7 comprises a body having a substantially U-shaped cross-section to at least partially enclose the ladders 24, 25.

In the example in fig. 2, 3 and 4, the mast 2 comprises a plurality of mast modules 21 stacked on top of each other and/or assembled to each other. An example of a module 21 will be described in connection with fig. 6A-6G, wherein the mast 2 comprises a first longitudinal ladder beam 24, a second longitudinal ladder beam 25 and braces 22, 23 connecting the first and second ladder beams 24, 25. The ladder beam may be considered a ladder.

The braces 22, 23 may be pivotally connected to the ladder beams 24, 25 in such a way that the ladder beams 24, 25 are movable relative to each other. The latter can be seen, for example, in fig. 6A-6G. Fig. 6A-6G schematically illustrate several positions of the module 21 of the mast 2 from an expanded or unfolded configuration to a folded configuration according to an example.

The expanded configuration of the module 21 may refer to the configuration in which the ladder beams 24, 25 are most separated from each other, and the collapsed configuration may refer to the configuration in which the ladder beams 24, 25 are closest together. Fig. 6A is an example of a module 21 in an expanded (or "unfolded") configuration, and fig. 6F, 6G show examples of a module 21 in a folded configuration.

Starting with fig. 6A, the raked brace 22 may be rotated in directions a1 and a2 in fig. 6B. In this case, one end of the raking arm 22 is loose so as to allow rotation thereof. In use, the inclined brace may be secured to the ladder beam 25 at this end. The directions a1, a2 may be clockwise or counterclockwise. When the tilting arms 22 reach the end position according to fig. 6C, the ladder beams 24, 25 may start to move closer to each other. The relative proximity between the ladder beams 24, 25 may be guided by vertical braces 23, which vertical braces 23 may be rotatably or pivotally connected to the frame. Suitable hinges may be provided.

The approach may be in terms of a rotation that includes two components: a vertical component and a horizontal component. The ladder beams 24, 25 may achieve a configuration in which the ladder beams 24, 25 are brought together horizontally and displaced vertically relative to each other, see, e.g., fig. 6F and 6G.

The process described above relates to an example of a folding process. Instead, the stretching or expanding process may be obtained in the same step. In use, the arms may be substantially locked in the deployed configuration.

The braces 22, 23 may connect the ladder beams 24, 25 in such a way that the module 21 has a quadrangular cross section in use, in particular in an expanded configuration. When the module 21 is in the expanded configuration, a straight and vertical path for the operator may be defined by the braces and ladder beams 24, 25. The operator O can climb or descend along the path of the mast 2 visible in fig. 2-5, i.e. inside the mast.

By way of non-limiting example, the cross-section of the modules 21 may be about 800 x 800mm, and thus the ladder beam may have a width of about 800 mm. The braces 22, 23 and the ladder beams 24, 25 may be made of steel and/or aluminum and/or composite materials.

In a further example illustrated in fig. 7, the ladder beams 24, 25 may comprise a holding portion 26 of a cable 108 routed in the longitudinal direction of the mast 2. The retaining portion 26 may be a ladder beam section that acts as a tray. It can also be seen in fig. 7 that the ladder beams 24, 25 may include tracks 27 (see, e.g., fig. 7) and/or lifelines. The rigid track 27 or flexible lifeline can be positioned on the ladder beams 24, 25 in such a way that they are not obstructed by the bracket 3. Thus, despite having the bracket 3, the operator O can use the track or lifeline.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a partial view of the mast 2 and the support beam 5 in fig. 2. Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a partial view of the mast 2 and the support beam 5 in fig. 8 from a different perspective.

In the example in fig. 8 and 9, the tower 101 further comprises a support beam 5 for the mast 2, wherein the support beam 5 may be arranged transversely to the tower sections 105, 112 and may be detachably connected to the flanges 106, 113 (e.g. at diametrically opposite sides of the flanges) and the mast 2. The parts of the mast 2 of the sections 105, 112 can be kept fixed at both ends of the sections 105, 112 by means of the support beam 5 and the connection to the flanges 106, 113, for example the brackets 3 connecting the mast 2 to the platform 4. The support beam 5 may be connected to the upper flange 113 or the lower flange 106.

The support beams 5 may be attached to portable tower sections 105, 112, such as those made of steel or the like. The support beam 5 may be a temporary kit to assist the operator during transport and installation tasks, as will be explained later.

In some examples, the tower 101 can further include a service elevator associated with the mast, wherein the elevator car 110 can travel laterally relative to the mast 2 and in the same or substantially the same direction as the length of the mast 2. Lateral should in this context be understood as the elevator path outside the space defined by the mast 2 and in the depicted example the space defined between the ladder beams 24, 25 and the support arms 22, 23.

The elevator and in particular the elevator car 110 can be arranged in different ways with respect to the mast 2. By way of example, fig. 5A-5C schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of tower sections 105, 112 having different relative arrangements of mast 2 and elevator car 110. The examples in fig. 5A-5C are only some of the possible arrangements, and it should be clear that many other arrangements are possible.

As can be seen in fig. 7, the elevator can follow the elevator path through an elevator opening 42 in the landing.

In some examples, the mast 2 can include an arm 28 (see, e.g., fig. 2) having a wire fixture (wirefix)29 to secure a guide wire 109 of a service lift. In fig. 2, the mast 2 includes a pair of side arms 28 each having a wire mount 29 attached to an elevator car 110. The arms 28 may be attached to the ladder beams 24, 25.

In some examples, the guide wire 111 of the elevator may be used as a stabilizing element for constraining the horizontal movement of the mast 2. However, in some other examples, the arrangement in which mast 2 is connected to both platform 4 and flanges 106, 113 may substantially constrain mast 1 without any auxiliary elements.

In some further examples, additional wires (not illustrated) may be provided to specifically constrain mast 2 relative to tower 101.

According to a further aspect, a method for installing a mast 2 in a tower 101 according to any of the examples disclosed herein is provided. The method will be described in connection with fig. 10-16. The method comprises assembling a plurality of mast modules 21 one after the other. See, for example, fig. 10-14, where module 21 is manually assembled. The mast 2 can then be connected to the upper or lower flanges 106, 113 of the tower 101.

Alternatively, one end of the mast 2, such as the top end, may be connected to the platform 4 of the tower 101 and the other end of the mast 2, such as the bottom end, may be connected to the lower flange 106 of the tower 101. The platform 4 may be pre-loaded into the tower 101 and mounted to the tower 101.

In one example of a tower, the mast may be connected to the tower section only by the upper and lower flanges, such that the mast is not attached to the tower wall. In another example of a tower, the mast may be connected to the tower section only through the service platform and the lower flange, such that the mast is not attached to the tower wall. In both examples, the tower may be free of intermediate connections between the mast and the tower wall in an area defined substantially along an inner wall of the tower and from the upper flange to the lower flange or from the service platform to one of the upper and lower flanges.

10-14 schematically illustrate several steps for installing a portion of mast 2 in tower section 105 according to an example. This example corresponds to the case where the segments 105 may be portable, for example made of steel. In this case, the method may further comprise providing a horizontally arranged tower section 105. The horizontal arrangement may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the tower 101 when erected, and the tower sections 105 may be laid on the ground. The support beam 5 may then be detachably connected to the flange 106. The mast module 21 can then be connected to the support beam in a detachable manner. The modules 21 may be connected to the beam 5, in particular by ladder beams 24, 25. In fig. 14, an exemplary manner of removably attaching the support beam 5 to the lower flange 106 and the module 21 can be seen.

The support beams 5 may be installed into the tower plant and used during handling, transportation and lifting operations. The beams may be removed after the tower is erected. Prior to unloading the beam 5, the upper module 21 may be connected to the lower module 21, which lower module 21 may be integrated in the previously erected tower section 105, thereby creating structural continuity between the modules 21. The support beam 5 can thus be regarded as a kind of "transport kit".

In examples where the modules 21 are collapsible, the method may further include introducing the mast module 21 into the tower section 105 when the modules 105 are in the collapsed configuration. This can be seen, for example, in fig. 10. The module can then be unfolded. The ladder beams 24, 25 can be moved away from each other so that the mast module can adopt an expanded configuration. This can be seen, for example, in fig. 11 and 12. The arrows a5 in fig. 11 illustrate the direction the ladder beams 24, 25 follow when moving apart from each other. The expansion or unfolding process may be the same as described above.

Alternatively, the module 21 may be introduced in the segment 105 in an expanded configuration. The modules may then be attached to each other such that the modules are stacked on top of each other when the tower is erected.

Fig. 15 schematically illustrates a mast 2 according to a further example introduced into a tower section 112, particularly suitable for use in a concrete tower section. The method according to this example may further include providing a tower section 112 in an upright arrangement and introducing a plurality of assembled mast modules 21 into the cavity 107 of the tower section 112. The module 21 may be assembled on the ground and then hoisted. The module 21 can be introduced through the mast opening 41 of the platform. The mast 2 may then be connected to the platform 4 by means of the bracket 3.

Fig. 16 schematically illustrates a partial view of the mast 2 arranged through two different tower sections 105, 112 according to yet another example. The segment 105 on the top side of fig. 16 may be portable, e.g. made of steel, whereas the segment 112 on the bottom side of fig. 16 may not be portable, e.g. made of concrete. In the example in fig. 16, the concrete sections 112 may be disposed in a vertical arrangement. As described above, a batch of assembled mast modules 21 may be connected to the platform 4. The steel section 105 can then be placed on top of the concrete section 112 with another batch of already assembled mast modules 21. The lowest module 21 of the steel section 105 may be attached to the uppermost module 21 of the concrete section 112. The support beam 5 of the steel segment 105 can then be removed. In the example in fig. 16, the top of the mast 2 can be connected to another upper platform 4.

Although only a few examples have been disclosed, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and/or equivalents are possible. Moreover, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs associated with the figures are placed in parentheses in the claims, they are used only for the purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

For completeness, various aspects of the invention are listed in the following numbered clauses:

clause 1. a tower, comprising:

a first tower section having upper and lower flanges, a tower wall; and

a mast, wherein the mast comprises a ladder; and is

The mast is not attached to the tower wall.

Clause 2. the tower of clause 1, wherein the mast is supported by the upper flange and the lower flange.

Clause 3. the tower of clauses 1-2, wherein the tower section comprises a service platform, and wherein the mast is at least partially supported by the service platform.

Clause 4. the tower of clause 3, wherein the service platform is supported by the upper flange or the lower flange.

Clause 5. the tower of clause 3, further comprising a plurality of brackets supporting the mast to the service platform, wherein the brackets comprise a body configured to at least partially surround the cross-section of the ladder.

Clause 6. the tower according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein the tower comprises a second tower section, wherein the second tower section is connected to the first tower section at a flange.

Clause 7. the tower of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the mast comprises a plurality of mast modules stacked on top of each other or assembled to each other.

Clause 8. the tower according to any of clauses 1-7, wherein the mast comprises a first longitudinal trapezoidal beam, a second longitudinal trapezoidal beam, and a brace connecting the first and second trapezoidal beams.

Clause 9. the tower according to clause 8, wherein the brace arms are pivotally connected to the trapezoidal beams in a manner such that the trapezoidal beams are movable relative to each other.

Clause 10. the tower according to any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a support beam for the mast, wherein the support beam is disposed transversely to the tower section and is removably connected to the flange and the mast.

Clause 11. the tower according to clause 10, further comprising a service elevator associated with the mast, wherein the elevator car travels laterally relative to the mast and in the same direction as the length of the mast.

Clause 12. a method for mounting a mast at a tower according to any of clauses 1-11, comprising:

assembling a plurality of mast modules one after the other;

the mast is connected to the upper or lower flange of the tower.

Clause 13. the method of clause 12, wherein the tower section is made of steel, the method further comprising:

providing a horizontally arranged tower section;

detachably connecting the support beam with the flange;

the mast module is detachably connected to the support beam.

Clause 14. the method of clause 13, further comprising:

introducing the mast module into the tower section when the module is in the collapsed configuration;

the ladder beams are moved away from each other so that the mast module adopts an expanded configuration.

Clause 15. the method of clause 12, wherein the tower section is made of concrete, the method further comprising:

providing a vertically arranged tower section;

a plurality of assembled mast modules are introduced into the cavity of the tower section.