GUY-LESS TOWERS (GLT)

GUY-LESS TOWERS (GLT)

Independent Power Systems, Inc. has developed this tower in recognition of the need for a safer and easier method to install and
service small wind turbines. We have extensive experience installing and working with standard tower designs and it is through this experience that we have realized the short comings of these towers and
the potential for disaster.

Description | Models | Kit Parts | Engineering |
Warranty | Benefits | Applications |
Specifications | Installation


About the Guy less, Tilt down (GLT) Tower

The GLT tower is a cantilevered design that stands 40 feet tall and hinges 15 feet above the ground. An integrated, industrial hand winch allows raising and lower of the tower by one person. An automatic disc brake incorporated into the winch prevents the tower from falling and makes raising and lowering of the tower very safe. The tower can be lowered to whatever height the operator desires making turbine installation, inspection and service very easy. No tower stand or ladder is necessary.

The winch and winch line are always connected to the tower, thereby preventing the possibility of operator error.

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Benefits of the GLT Tower vs. *Conventional Tower

*Go to Home Power FEB-MARCH 2005 "Wind Generator Tower Basics" for a discussion of Non Guy less Tilt down tower pros & cons.

Tower Photos Tower Type Advantages Disadvantages
Guy less Tilt down No climbing Limited tower height
Small Footprint
Maintenance on the ground
One person operation
Easy Assembly
Uneven sites OK
Guyed Tilt down No climbing Large footprint
Maintenance on the ground Four sets of guy wires
Need relatively level site
Materials locally available Takes longer to assemble
Taller tower heights possible Multiple person operation
Fixed Guyed Modest footprint Three sets of guy wires
Low material cost Must climb
Uneven sites OK Must be installed with a crane
Taller tower heights possible Cost of crane for turbine rebuild or repair
Materials locally available
Freestanding Small footprint High tower cost
No guy wires Must climb to inspect
Uneven sites OK Cost of crane installation
Safe installation Cost of crane for turbine rebuild or repair

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Models

Two models of (GLT) towers are currently available.

* 15GLT40: Designed for any turbine with a rotor diameter up to 15 feet. Tower stands 40 feet tall.

* 15GLT40 HYBRID: Same as the 15GLT40 with the addition of an integrated, adjustable solar array rack that can accommodate up to 800 Watts of mono or poly crystalline solar panels.

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Applications

Our tallest (GLT) tower is 40 feet tall. It is suitable for locations that have little obstructions, i.e.. open land areas or costal locations. Consult with the wind turbine manufacturer for minimum tower height required for site.

(GLT) Ideal Applications:

  • Off-grid and On-grid home power
  • Telecom
  • Water pumping
  • Applications where only a single person will be available for turbine inspection
  • Locations with limited space for anchors or a runway needed for guyed tilt down towers.
  • Where tower climbing is not desirable
  • Hybrid systems: Our Hybrid (GLT) tower consolidates wind and solar electrical generation on one structure, requiring only one footing.

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Kit Parts

Our GLT tower is supplied as a complete wind turbine installation kit. EVERYTHING is included to fully install the turbine of your choice less concrete and the cable from the tower junction box to the power center. The tower top is pre-drilled or adapted for your specific turbine.

Parts list includes:

Tower structural steel members, Industrial winch, winch line (aircraft cable), pulley, all fasteners, wire nuts, anti-corrosion paste, electrical tape, Down tower cable, Cable strain relief, 8' x 8' Junction box, Split Bolts, pvc conduit and box connector, 3 phase Lightening arrestor, ground rod/clamp/conductor, tower bonding point, Rebar

Options & Accessories:

  • Galvanizing Option: Galvanizing (ASTM 123) is available and necessary for coastal locations: Please specify when ordering.
  • Battery Pack: Maintenance-free batteries installed in NEMA 3R enclosure bolts on to tower base. Contact IPS for design specifics.
  • AC power pack: Adds an inverter to the battery pack for on site 120/240 volt power.
  • Grid-tie kit: A grid-tie inverter & controls mounts in a NEMA 3R enclosure that bolts to the tower.
  • Pumping kit: Includes Grundfos Sqflex pump an preassembled and wired controllers in a NEMA 3R enclosure that bolts to the tower.

Contact IPS for specifics and to match your application requirements with the right components

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Specifications

Tower structural materials: Mild steel tube, round pipe & angle

Separate Tower Structural Components:

Base: Dimensions: 20' X 3' X 1.5' Weight: 850 lbs. Main Mast: Dimensions: 20' X .5' X 1' Weight: 460 lbs. Lower Mast: Dimensions: 14.5' X 5" Weight: 225 lbs. Top Mast: Dimensions: 9.5' X 5" Weight: 140 lbs (Varies according to turbine used)

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Engineering Analysis

Engineering analysis is available for a fee of $50.00, which is redeemable with tower purchase. IPS recommends that local engineering be employed for ensuring the suitability of the tower with local weather and soil conditions.

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Installation Requirements

A qualified, licensed contractor should perform the installation of the tower. Installation instructions are provided at the time of tower purchase. Advance copies are available for a $25 fee. Check local building codes and regulations concerning tower location and height requirements.

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Warranty

The tower is covered by a standard 5-year warranty. In order for the warranty to be effective, IPS must receive a photo of the installation and a completed warranty registration form.

For information or orders, call us or e-mail us at montana@solarips.com

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