Technical Assistance from NREL to Wind Tower Technologies: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-17-698

Abstract

of CRADA Work: This effort will use NREL capabilities in techno-economic analysis to evaluate a technology developed by Wind Tower Technologies (WTT) for an onsite process for building concrete towers using a precast mated mold process. This technology enables tall towers by circumventing transportation limits that constrain the size of conventional steel monopole towers. NREL researchers will provide relevant expertise in techno-economic analysis and assessment of innovative technologies for wind energy applications. Summary of Research Results: This report contains Protected CRADA Information, which was produced on June 30, 2018 under CRADA No. 17-698 and is not to be further disclosed for a period of five (5) years from the date it was produced except as expressly provided for in the CRADA. The purpose of this project was to use NREL’s expertise in the evaluation of system impacts of technology innovations to conduct an in-depth economic analysis of the development of a new wind tower construction technology for a small business under the Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Vouchers Pilot. In this case, WTT sought a techno-economic evaluation of how their innovative self-erecting concrete tower (SECT) system compares to traditional technology. SECT will address challenges around tall wind that are associated with traditional cranes and their limitations in terms of both logistics and costs for installing turbines with hub heights of 140 m and greater.