How to Install a Home Wind Tower

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Using a crane to raise a wind turbine towerWhen the turbine is installed, the tower should be lying flat on the ground (or supported if slightly raised). A final inspection must be done before lifting:

  • If guy wires are used, these must be connected securely to the tower and run downwards. The cables should be positioned from lowest to highest without being twisted or entangled.
  • The turbine must be correctly wired with lead wires in the junction box located at the tower's top.
  • The lead wire must be secured but sufficiently free to allow the tower to move during base plate alignment with the pier pin.
  • The turbine must be checked on its tower mount: test bolt torque to ensure security (and the right torque).
  • The brake should be on and the turbine furled.
  • The turbine should be secured against yawing and rough movements that may occur during the lift. Use strong rope.
  • Check and double check all hardware for easy accessibility and availability to avoid higher crane service cost.
  • Ensure you have a clear, still day before calling in the crane.

The Lift

When the crane is ready, lifting straps are attached to the rungs over three quarters of the tower's length before commencing the lift. The guy wires, turbine assembly and power feed cable must not get entangled or hit the crane.

If you have not installed the turbine on the ground, you can do so when the tower is lifted to a good height. (However, ensure that all steps are completed before the crane comes or you'll have to pay while they wait.)

When the tower is set on the center pier, secure the guy wires in their anchors. You only need to level the tower and tighten its cables. When the tower is considered secure, someone needs to climb up to remove the lifting straps and untie the security ropes over the turbine. Be careful when you remove the security ropes to ensure that the turbine does not yaw and hit you.

With that complete, the job is done and the crane has finished its task.

Hinged Tower Lifting

You can choose from a myriad of hinged towers that include free-standing guyed or tubular models. Hinged towers are preferred as installation and servicing are performed safely on the ground. There is no need for a crane to lift the tower as it uses a hand-operated lever or power winch (the gin pole) to position the tower.