Ingecid

Zeus VSL

Wind turbine lifting system for high-rise towers. Patent application and obtaining, development of the INNOVA R&D&I project and detailed design for Gamesa Eólica.

The Zeus VSL wind turbine lifting system has been jointly developed by VSL and INGECID.

The Zeus VSL wind turbine lifting system has been developed jointly by VSL and INGECID. This system is designed for installation on high towers. The tower acts as a support, so that the lifting and installation of the nacelle and rotor is carried out without limitations on the height of the tower.

Increasing the height of wind turbines would increase capacity factors. However, the expansion of the wind industry has encountered significant logistical barriers when attempting to reach heights of over 140 m. Cranes capable of installing and replacing heavy equipment in uneven terrain and high wind speeds have logistical drawbacks (high installation and mobilization cost) and limited availability.

The Zeus VSL lifting system provides a lightweight and easy to mobilize solution, with few mounting elements compared to existing cranes. The developed system can be transported on 10 trucks, requires no special road access or ground preparation, and requires little space for mounting at the base of the tower.

This system has been patented and the detailed design for concrete towers has been developed in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa Eólica. EPRI has published an article describing the idea and operation of the proposed lifting system, highlighting its wide application in future wind farms.

Documents for downloadEPRI Publication

Project images