The Full-height Lattice Tower Concept

An alternative support structure for offshore wind turbines is presented that removes the need for an expensive transition piece and allows for significant savings in steel weight. The concept is based on replacing both the traditional wind turbine tower and the usual support structure with a single lattice tower that extends from the sea bottom to the rotornacelle- assembly. An overview is given of studies performed and results obtained for this design so far, of its advantages and disadvantages, and of future plans for improved automatic optimization of the design. Although it is diffcult to show the economic viability of the full-height lattice tower concept, due to the general problem of reliably quantifying fabrication and installation costs, the major reduction in steel weight makes this an attractive concept that should be given further consideration, especially for future offshore projects in deep waters.