TOWER STRUCTURE FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

Abstract

 The tower structure (100) comprises at least one pole (130), and at least two modular tower units (140) each comprising a hollow body surrounding the pole (120) and configured for supporting telecommunications equipment (120). A laminar covering element (160) made of a synthetic material extends between two opposed rings (150) in each modular tower unit (140) for covering the telecommunications equipment (120). A geometry of at least one modular tower unit (140) is defined by rotating part of a curve about an axis providing a hollow body of revolution in the form of conical frustum with a circular base and a curved generatrix. A tensegrity structure (170) is provided comprising a net of continuous wires (180) arranged in tension, crossing each other, and joining rings (150) of different modular tower units (140).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tower structures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to tower structures for telecommunications equipment such as cellular telephone, radio transmitter/receivers.

Background

[0002] Typical towers for telecommunication equipment comprise freestanding structures with a steel lattice having a rectangular or triangular base suitable for mounting telecommunication devices. These towers are usually referred to as lattice towers. Lattice towers are suitable for supporting multiple devices and can be installed in most terrains and weather conditions. Drawbacks of lattice towers are related to high maintenance costs, susceptibility to corrosion, and negative visual impact.

[0003] Guyed towers are also known to be used for telecommunication equipment. They comprise a steel structure that is supported by one or more levels of diagonal tensioned wires attached to the ground named guy wires. The main disadvantage with guyed towers is that they take up a great deal of space necessary for installation.

[0004] Monopole towers for telecommunication equipment are also known in the art. They are formed of a single pole having, for example, a tubular or tapered configuration. In comparison with lattice towers, the single-pole configuration of monopole towers takes up less space, provides reduced visual impact, and involves shorter construction times, and reduced costs. However, the cost of monopole towers is generally high and there are limitations in height as well as in upgrading the strength capacity of the structure.

[0005] Self-support towers are also employed for supporting wireless communication systems. They are also structures of the lattice type that may have a triangular configuration with three legs or a square configuration with four legs. Said structures include braces capable of accommodating heavy loads and strong winds. A drawback of self-support towers is that they are expensive, for example more than guyed towers of the same height.

[0006] In addition to the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art noted above, known tower structures also suffer from a same common problem relating to the negative visual impact they all have on the site where they are mounted. In general, the geometric shapes of known tower structures together with their telecommunication equipment involve a negative contrast for natural landscapes. In open agricultural or natural spaces such as steppes or grasslands, the configuration of the above mentioned tower structures generally breaks with the dominant horizontality of landscape forms. A visual focal point for the observer still remains with said known tower structures even in areas of denser vegetation such as forests and tall scrub.

[0007] In one attempt to reduce the visual impact on the environment, camouflage towers have been also proposed in the art. They are intended mainly for urban or residential areas. Camouflage towers are generally shaped in the form of artificial trees, plants, chimneys, streetlights, etc. A problem associated with said towers is that a special manufacturing method is required for fabricating special parts such as branches, for example, when it comes to camouflage towers in the form of plants or trees.

[0008] Other known approaches relating to tower structures for telecommunication equipment are modular towers.

[0009] For example, EP2360777 discloses a modular antenna tower structure comprising modules comprise reinforced concrete segments stacked onto each other to form a tower structure. The concrete tower structure that is formed has a considerable weight. Modules are difficult to manufacture and handle, and a problem may arise when mounting the tower in sites hard to access. In addition, making the tower involves high use of raw material which is not environmentally acceptable.

[0010] WO2014182231 refers to a tower for telecommunications equipment with stackable hollow tower sections with an installation chamber therein to arrange communications equipment. Each tower section has a plurality modular units made of wood with fastening means for mounting to each other.

[0011] Despite efforts in the art to reduce visual impact on the environment while obtaining an efficient structure for supporting telecommunications equipment, a need still remains for a better integration of the structure into any landscape that is easy to manufacture, cost effective to produce, and also with easy access to perform service operations son the telecommunications equipment.

Summary

[0012] A tower structure for telecommunications equipment is disclosed herein with which the above needs are met, and with which the shortcomings of prior art are overcome as it will be disclosed hereinafter.

[0013] Within the meaning of the present disclosure, telecommunications equipment refers to any hardware suitable for telecommunication purposes, that is, hardware to transmit, receive, or process data, voice, and video signals for communication purposes through wireless networks, and satellites, such as cellular telephone, radio transmitter/receivers or antennas, control circuitry, GPS devices, power source units, etc. The term 'telecommunications equipment' is by no means limited to the devices listed above.

[0014] The present tower structure comprises one or more poles, preferably three. The one or more poles define a mast assembly. In use, the mast assembly is arranged extending vertically from the ground.

[0015] The tower structure further comprises two or more modular tower units. The modular tower units are preferably made of wood such as, for example, laminated wood.

[0016] Each modular tower unit comprises a hollow body which, in use, is arranged surrounding the pole or poles.

[0017] The hollow body of at least one modular tower unit may have a suitable geometry selected among at least one of cylindrical, tapered, and frusto-pyramidal. Crinoline geometry for the modular tower units is most preferred. Such particular geometry of the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit is defined by rotating part of a curve about an axis providing a hollow body of revolution in the form of conical frustum with a circular base and a curved generatrix. In use, the diameter of the hollow body of the modular tower unit increases towards the base of the tower structure. Due to such the crinoline shape, versatile and aesthetic aspect is obtained.

[0018] At least one modular tower unit is configured for supporting telecommunications equipment. Said modular tower unit for supporting telecommunications equipment is preferably arranged at the top of the tower structure.

[0019] The modular tower units of the tower structure are fastened to the pole by suitable fastening means. One example of suitable fastening means may be radial beams.

[0020] Each modular tower unit further comprises at least two mutually spaced apart rings. The rings of the modular tower units are arranged surrounding the poles.

[0021] A laminar covering element is arranged extending between two opposed rings in each modular tower unit for covering the telecommunications equipment therein. In use, the laminar covering element is arranged enclosing the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit.

[0022] The laminar covering element may be made, for example, of a synthetic material selected from at least one of twisted nylon, twisted polyethylene (PE) rope, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tape, stainless or electroplated stranded wire, and polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester fibers. The laminar covering element is preferably a technical fabric based on synthetic fibers with UVA protection, high tenacity, and durability.

[0023] The laminar covering element may be formed of either a single laminar component or a number of laminar components. It may be in the form of solid or micro-perforated sheets, or even in the form of ropes, forming nets and braided surfaces in the form of mesh. A combination of fabrics such as polyester mesh laminated with PVC coating, micro-perforated with fishing nets, and fabrics formed by colored nautical ropes or ropes may be used. Overlapping textile and netting in double layers produces a kind of fractality or depth due to the scales of overlapping perforations, promoting transparency and porosity for a good visual adaptation to the environment.

[0024] The present tower structure may further include a tensegrity structure. The tensegrity structure comprises a net of continuous wires, for example steel wires, arranged in tension, crossing each other, and joining rings of different modular tower units. The tensegrity structure provides an optimal balance between compressed wood elements, namely the rings, and the tensioned steel wires. As a result, an improved structural efficiency in relation to the whole volume of the tower structure is obtained.

[0025] It may be preferred to include a deck in at least one modular tower unit. If provided, said deck may be formed by a surface preferably made from a rigid mesh attached to a perimeter of a ring. In use, the deck is arranged surrounding the mast assembly.

[0026] Operators can thus walk over the deck safely when performing maintenance and servicing operations in the tower structure or to the telecommunications equipment.

[0027] The present tower structure may further comprise hollow members configured to act as nests. Specifically, the hollow members may be attached or hung at intersection points of the wires in the outer tensegrity structure to act as artificial nests for small birds and/or insects. In addition or alternatively, bird dissuasive members may be arranged as required projecting out radially from at least one modular tower unit.

[0028] A power generation turbine may be also provided at the top of the tower structure for powering telecommunications equipment. The power generation turbine may be, for example, a 1,5 Kw vertical axis wind turbine. In this way, a stand-alone tower structure is obtained with solar or wind power capable of supplying a demand from the telecommunications equipment in the tower structure which may be, for example, of the order of 7-10 KW. Solar generator devices may be also provided for capturing solar energy and storing it in solar batteries or a portable power station.

[0029] At the top of the tower structure at least one lightning rod may be also provided if required. Other devices may be fitted at the top of the tower structure such as lighting spotlights, beacons, etc.

[0030] A pit acting as a sink for collecting moisture from fabrics provided in a modular tower unit may be also arranged at the bottom of the structure. Said pit may be provided with burrows embedded therein.

[0031] A sustainable and environmentally friendly tower structure for telecommunications equipment is provided with which significant advantages are obtained. Besides being light, cost effective, and easy to mount on site, the present tower structure provides for landscape ecology, in particular due to recyclability and circularity of its components and materials essential for sustainable development as detailed further below.

[0032] Although other materials may be envisaged, structural engineered wood, in particular, glued laminated wood (glulam) and micro-laminated timber are preferred to be the predominant materials used for the parts of the present tower structure. As a result, a lightweight tower structure is obtained having optimized load-bearing features, with an advantageous ability to sequester carbon, reducing emissions and carbon footprint, and promoting circularity and reuse.

[0033] In addition to the materials, structure, and configuration, the overall appearance of the tower structure results in an environmentally friendly structure capable of being suitably integrated in a natural environment. The slender elongated overall shape of the tower structure defined by the preferred crinoline configuration of the modular tower units like bell or drum shaped elements advantageously provides smooth and aesthetically pleasing appearance without sharp edges and with no discordant lines.

[0034] The configuration of the modular tower units together with the laminar covering element of the present tower structure allows great possibilities for customization with different colors, decorations, materials, and configurations for a proper integration thereof into each particular landscape and natural environment. As a result, the present tower structure fits well, for example, in forested or rural areas and in particular in delicate and protected landscapes with little environmental, ecological, and social impact to the ecosystems.

[0035] A further advantage of the present tower structure results from its modular and flexible architecture, which allows the tower structure to be easily scaled according to requirements.

[0036] In addition, by virtue of the particular configuration as outlined above, telecommunications equipment is received within a closed space defined by the interior of the modular tower units and the laminar covering element. Therefore, damages to telecommunications equipment due to vandalism are advantageously prevented. Furthermore, damages to telecommunications equipment due to natural wear are also avoided since the telecommunications equipment is not exposed to surrounding climate, in particular to weather variations.

Brief description of the drawings

[0037] One non-limiting example of the present tower structure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0038] In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a general perspective view of one example of the present tower structure for supporting telecommunications equipment such as telecommunication antennas and other telecommunication devices, with a portion of the modular tower units, the laminar covering element, and the tensegrity structure, respectively, separated from the structure so that it can be seen in detail;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tower structure with the laminar covering element removed therefrom in order to show other parts of the structure and in which three structural sections into which the tower structure can be conceptually divided along its height are depicted;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one example of a modular tower unit disassembled from the tower structure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another example of a different modular tower unit assembled to the tower structure;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail perspective view of the mast assembly with one ring attached thereto; and

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view of the lower section of the tower structure.

Detailed description of the example

[0039] In the non-limiting example shown in figures of the drawings, the tower structure has been denoted as a whole with reference numeral 100.

[0040] The tower structure 100 is intended for supporting telecommunications equipment 120. More in particular, the tower structure 100 disclosed herein provides functional support for telecommunications equipment 120 such as mobile phone technology, for example, 5G mobile network devices. However, the example of the tower structure 100 disclosed and shown herein can also be efficiently used in other different applications where a suitable integration of an environmentally friendly tower structure for telecommunications equipment in a particular landscape and natural environment is required.

[0041] In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the tower structure 100 is 33 m high although may generally be 30-50 m high. Overall, a diameter of the tower structure 100 varies from a maximum value of 10 meters at the bottom to a minimum value of 3.2 meters at the top of the tower structure 100. Other height and diameter values may be envisaged depending upon requirements.

[0042] A mast assembly is provided. In the non-limiting example shown, the mast assembly is formed by three poles 130 made of laminated wood or timber, as shown in detail in figure 5. The mast assembly may however include a different number of poles 130 that could be made of different materials according to the requirements of the tower structure 100. When a number of poles 130 are included in the mast assembly, the poles 130 could have the same characteristics or they could be different from one another as required.

[0043] Each pole 130 of the mast assembly is 11 m long, with a 22 x 30 cm rectangular cross section. The poles 130 are joined together by means of a central coupling 135 using bolted connections, as shown in figures 4 and 5 in detail. The central coupling 135 for the poles 130 comprises a galvanized steel plate that advantageously extends durability against corrosion. Bolted connections remove the need for carrying out welding on site.

[0044] Reference is now made to figures 3 and 4 of the drawings. The tower structure 100 in the example shown in the figures of the drawings further includes a number of modular tower units 140. The modular tower units 140 in the tower structure 100 may be the same or different from each other. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate examples of such modular tower units 140, some of them being shown assembled to the tower structure 100 in figure 1. Each modular tower unit 140 comprises a hollow body. In use, each hollow body is arranged surrounding the poles 130 of the mast assembly as shown in detail in figure 4 of the drawings.

[0045] Figure 3 depicts a particular example of a modular tower unit 140 having a preferred configuration. In said example illustrated in figure 3, the modular tower unit 140 is bell or drum shaped, more specifically, crinoline shaped. The crinoline shape is defined by rotating a part of a curve about an axis that coincides with or is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mast assembly. The resulting hollow body of revolution is in the form of a conical frustum having a circular base and a curved generatrix whose diameter increases towards the base of the tower structure 100. The crinoline shape advantageously provides a versatile and aesthetic aspect while being efficient for receiving telecommunications equipment 120 therein.

[0046] As shown in the example of figure 4, a deck 200 is provided on at least some of the modular tower units 140. The deck 200 allows operators to walk over the modular tower units 140 safely when performing maintenance and servicing operations in the tower structure 100 or to the telecommunications equipment 120 supported therein. As shown in said figure 4, the deck 200 is formed by a rigid mesh surface that is attached to a perimeter of a ring 150. In use, the deck 200 is arranged surrounding the poles 130.

[0047] The modular tower units 140 in the example shown are made up of an inner layer 141 and an outer layer 142 as shown in figure 4 of the drawings.

[0048] The inner layer 141 of the modular tower unit 140 has a closed, continuous configuration. Said inner layer 141 may be made of an opaque, translucent, transparent and/or colored material as required. The material of the inner layer 141 may be solid or micro-perforated and may be for example of an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or fully recyclable PVC-laminated polyester fabrics.

[0049] The outer layer 142 of the modular tower unit 140 is lighter than and overlaps the above inner layer 141 of the modular tower unit 140 as shown in figure 4. In the example, the outer layer 142 is formed by nautical lanyard sewn in a triangular pattern configured the form of a net or mesh. In particular, the outer layer 142 may be made of polypropylene nets or other high-strength, synthetic fiber nets with ultraviolet (UV) protection, such as nylon, with different sizes and colors as required. However, the outer layer 142 the modular tower unit 140 could have a different configuration such as a continuous strip.

[0050] The combination of the above described inner layer 141, which provides a colored background, and the above described outer layer 142, results in a lightweight, cost effective, and efficient resource for producing an attractive envelope with great possibilities for customization of the modular tower units 140 and thus the tower structure 100. As a result, a suitable integration of the tower structure 100 into each particular landscape and natural environment can be achieved through an environmentally friendly structure.

[0051] Two mutually spaced apart wooden rings 150 are provided in each modular tower unit 140 around the poles 130 of the mast assembly as shown in figures 3 and 4. The rings 150 in the non-limiting example shown are 22 x 15 cm or 22 x 32 cm in cross-section.

[0052] In use, the rings 150 are compressed by 24 tension lines comprising 30 mm diameter, 43 m long steel wires 180, as shown in figure 6. The steel wires 180 used in this example are in particular class A, high-strength, hot-dip galvanized braided wires made of zinc-aluminum alloy (Zn₉₅/A₁₅) coated steel.

[0053] The rings 150 are connected to the poles 130 by suitable fastening means 190. As shown in figure 5, the fastening means 190 comprise radial beams made of laminated wood and are 22 x 15 cm in cross-section. Said radial beams 190 allow the modular tower units 140 to be reliably fastened to the poles 130.

[0054] In the example shown and disclosed, the poles 130 of the mast assembly and other parts of the tower structure 100, such as the above mentioned radial beams 190 for fastening the modular tower units 140 to the poles 130, are made of glued laminated wood (glulam), while the rings 150 are made of micro-laminated timber. Other recyclable materials may be used as required.

[0055] The surface of the wooden parts of the tower structure 100 exposed to the weather, such as that of the poles 130, the rings 150, etc., is treated by a high-performance varnish based on alkyd and urethane-alkyd resins. Said varnish contains a long duration UV absorber with a stabilizer such that wooden parts are well protected from fungi and against harmful UV radiation.

[0056] A laminar covering element 160 is arranged extending between to oppositely spaced apart rings 150 as shown in figures 1 and 6. Said laminar covering element 160 is attached to the corresponding rings 150 through a number of stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) coated eyebolts. Said eyebolts are intended to be screwed into the wooden rings 150. In this way, electromagnetic interference to antennas and other telecommunications equipment 120 is advantageously prevented. A Teflon-coated stainless steel rod, or a stainless steel rod coated with a non-metallic synthetic fiber rod such as a carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar with ultraviolet (UV) protection, not shown in the drawings, is threaded through said eyebolts.

[0057] Now referring to figure 2 of the drawings, the present tower structure 100 will be now described in more detail with reference to three structural sections, S1, S2, S3 into which the tower structure 100 can be conceptually divided along its height. Specifically, the tower structure 100 can be divided into a lower section S1, a tensioned intermediate section S2, and a cantilevered upper section S3.

[0058] In the lower section S1 of the present tower structure 100, a foundation 300 is provided. As shown in figure 2, the foundation 300 comprises a central footing 305 and radial footings 310 distributed radially around a base ring 315 for supporting the poles 130 and for anchoring the steel wires 180. The central footing 305 is triangular in shape when seen from above in the example depicted in figure 1, while the central footing 305 is a circular in shape when seen from above in the example depicted in figure 2. In both examples, tensioned anchors 325 extending into the ground are attached to the radial footings 310.

[0059] Radial arms 320 are provided joining the base ring 315 to the central footing 305. The foundation 300 allows the amount of reinforced concrete to be minimized, reducing the volume of CO₂ emissions and soil contamination.

[0060] The foundation 300 forms a 12 m diameter base that takes up a ground area of approximately 150 m². In the building phase, however, said ground area will be larger in order to facilitate assembly and access to machinery. During the construction and maintenance phase, a safety ring of approximately 5 m radius is envisaged around the base of the tower structure 100 in addition to access roads.

[0061] The lower section S1 is intended to promote biodiversity. Water collected from rain, fog, dew, etc. drains through its envelope, until it is deposited on the perimeter of the base, where increased humidity favors spontaneous growth of plant species, etc. Humidity and vegetation attract insects and pollinators, which in turn attract birds and nocturnal predators such as bats. Some of these may exert a pest control function through rebalancing with other species.

[0062] In this respect, the lower section S1 further includes small containers or hollow members 210 configured as artificial nests for small birds and insects as depicted in figure 1. Said nests 210 may be located at other different strategic points of the tower structure 100 such as hanging from intersection points of the steel wires 180 in an outer tensegrity structure 190 in the tower intermediate section S2 that will be described below. In this way, small birds can lay at different levels of the tower structure 100 using it as a vantage point from which to observe the surrounding area. This configuration aims to promote micro-ecologies, made up of small species, avoiding large species.

[0063] Turning now to figure 6 of the drawings, the lower section S1 of the present tower structure 100 further includes an earth berm 260 surrounding the base defined by the foundation 300. The berm 260 has cavities of different sizes defining burrows 270 as shown in said figure 6, made of ceramics, where different species of wildlife, for example, rabbits, rodents, insects, etc., can find shelter. The earth berm 260 is preferably manufactured by additive 3D printing, using a suitable extruder for ceramic material.

[0064] A drain pit 230 is provided at the site where the foundation 300 is received, in particular on an inner surface of the earth berm 260 as shown in figure 6. A top mesh enclosure made of galvanized steel braided wires is provided in the earth berm 260. A bottom mesh enclosure made of galvanized steel wires is also provided in the earth berm 260 which is attached to the foundation 300 to prevent the passage of burrowing animals.

[0065] The drain pit 230 acts as a sink for collecting moisture from fabrics provided at the bottom of the lower section S1 of the tower structure 100, not shown. The earth berm 260 cooperates with the drain pit 230 protecting the operational area at the base of the tower structure 100. A moist environment is thus concentrated in the drain pit 230 due to spillage and collection of rainwater that, by gravity, runs off from the top of the tower structure 100 along the laminar covering element 160.

[0066] The drain pit 230 is configured for naturally draining water by gravity towards the natural slope of the ground, avoiding flooding by means of several overflow channels in the form of pipes embedded into the berm 260. The base of the aforementioned drain pit 230 surrounding the inner surface of the berm 260 is formed by a gravel trench acting as a drainage channel. The drain pit 230 includes ceramic pipes running through the berm 260, acting as overflows, to quickly drain any rainwater that may be accumulated therein, taking advantage of the difference in levels and gravity, into the outer perimeter of the berm 260, where a further deeper draining gravel trench is provided. Discharge to groundwater and local aquifer, if any, is thus ensured avoiding waterlogging around the tower structure 100. The number of pipes and overflows may be varied depending upon the characteristics of the site such as land natural inclination, runoffs, rainfall, etc. thus adapting to each case and tower structure 100.

[0067] Due to the particular configuration of the lower section S1 of the present tower structure 100, biodiversity is efficiently promoted. The presence of water promotes the growth and self-maintenance of native and wild plants, which will be able to proliferate and spread which will attract insects and different pollinators during flowering period, and these in turn will attract predators in the existing ecosystem's food chain.

[0068] Reference is now made to the tensioned intermediate section S2 of the tower structure 100 depicted in figure 2. In this section S2, a tensegrity structure 170 is provided. The tensegrity structure 170 comprises a net of continuous steel wires 180 arranged in tension, crossing each other, and joining rings 150 of different modular tower units 140, acting as the compression members, i.e., compression rings 150. The steel wires 180 passing through the rings 150 are anchored to the ground through via the above mentioned radial footings 310 of the foundation 300 of the tower structure 100.

[0069] The tensegrity structure 170 provides an optimal balance between compression rings 150 and tensioned steel wires 180, resulting in an improved structural efficiency in relation to the whole volume of the tower structure 100.

[0070] Regarding the cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100, it is arranged at an upper portion of the tower structure 100. It extends along approximately the last 11 meters of the top of the tower structure 100. The cantilevered upper section S3 is not affected by the tensegrity structure 170, i.e., no steel wires 180 are provided in this section of the tower structure 100.

[0071] The above mentioned laminar covering element 160 is provided enclosing modular tower units 140 arranged in the cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100. The laminar covering element 160 is stretched between different compression rings 150 of a modular tower unit 140 covering the telecommunications equipment 120 therein.

[0072] The laminar covering element 160 may be customized with different colors, decorations, and configurations, adapting to each particular environment. For instance, the laminar covering element 160 may be made, for example, of a synthetic material selected from at least one of twisted nylon, twisted polyethylene rope, PVC tape, stainless or electroplated stranded wire, and polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester fibers. The laminar covering element 160 is preferably a technical fabric based on synthetic fibers with UVA protection, high tenacity, and durability.

[0073] In the example shown in the drawings, the laminar covering element 160 is formed by a micro-perforated sheet. However, other different configurations for the laminar covering element 160 are possible such as solid, or even in the form of ropes, forming nets and braided surfaces in the form of mesh or textile membranes.

[0074] The laminar covering element 160 may be made from a combination of fabrics such as a polyester mesh laminated with PVC coating with a micro-perforated with net, and fabrics formed by colored nautical ropes or ropes. Overlapping textile and netting in double layers produces a kind of fractality or depth due to the scales of overlapping perforations, and promotes transparency and porosity, for a visual adaptation to the environment.

[0075] The great possibilities for customization of the laminar covering element 160 results in an environmentally friendly tower structure 100 that is capable of being suitably integrated into a given particular landscape and natural environment.

[0076] The cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100 is intended to support telecommunications equipment 120 therein such as mobile telecommunication antennas and other telecommunication devices. As stated above, no steel wires 180 are in the cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100 such that interferences in electromagnetic radiation are prevented from being generated.

[0077] When assembled and ready for use, the telecommunications equipment 120 is received within the modular tower units 140 in the cantilevered upper section S3. To this effect, an anchoring assembly is provided in said cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100 for reliably anchoring telecommunications equipment 120.

[0078] The anchoring assembly consists of a number of galvanized steel tubes attached to the poles 130. In the case of antennas, the steel tubes are attached to the poles 130 such that antennas can be directed as required in all directions.

[0079] A Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) 240 made of polyester and fiberglass is also provided at the cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100 for generating electricity from wind energy. The VAWT 240 has a vertical rotating helical shaft 245, as shown in figure 1 of the drawings, with a number of curved aerofoil blades. The curvature of said aerofoil blades allows them to be stressed only in tension at high rotating speeds. Said VAWT 240 may be 1.2 m, 3.2 m, 5 m, or 6 m high, capable of producing 300 W, 1.5 Kw, 5 Kw, and 7 Kw of electrical power respectively, which is suitable for covering at least part of the energy demand for electricity. This is advantageous since the present tower structure 100 is intended to be installed in rural environments, preferably in high places where wind potential may be relevant.

[0080] The VAWT 240 operates from very low wind speeds of the order of 2-3 m/s, driven by wind from any direction, and emitting very low levels of noise, of the order or 41 dB-38 dB, as compared to horizontal axis wind turbines. In light wind conditions, wind reaches speeds of the order of 6-10 mph at ground level. It can be assumed that, in the same conditions, the wind speed at a height of 30 meters will be considerably higher. To this effect, the VAWT 240 is provided with automatic braking means capable of stopping the vertical rotating shaft 245 when a threshold speed, considered to be excessively high, is detected, such as 110 mph. The integrity of the VAWT 240 and that of the tower structure 100 is thus ensured providing great safety.

[0081] The output of the VAWT 240 can be used directly to cover part or all of the energy demand of the tower structure 100, which may be of the order of 7Kw, through the use of suitable grid-tie solar inverters linked to suitable wind controllers. Photovoltaic panels, or even individual cells, could be integrated into the tower structure 100 to convert sunlight into electrical energy.

[0082] In any case, the power produced by the VAWT 240, the photovoltaic panels or cells may also be stored in batteries for occasional use, linked to the specificity of the operation, or supplied to a local electricity grid, in order to allow excess electricity to be sold into the grid.

[0083] Electrical energy self-generation from the VAWT 240, the photovoltaic panels or cells advantageously contributes to reducing the energy footprint of the tower structure 100, as well as its CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.

[0084] At least one lightning rod may be provided at the cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100. If provided, the lightning rod would be preferably located above the VAWT 240.

[0085] The cantilevered upper section S3 of the tower structure 100 further includes LED lighting spotlights with long-range optics of the order of 25-30 m, not shown. Said lighting spotlights are arranged to illuminate the interior of the tower structure 100 from above, facilitating maintenance operations at night.

[0086] Aeronautical beacons are provided at the top of the lightning rod and the lighting spotlights.

[0087] The assembly and installation of the present tower structure 100 is fast, easy, and convenient. The process starts at the workshop where the assembly of as many parts as possible is carried out. This allows the assembly process, such as, those of the main nodes associated with each section of the laminated wood poles 130, the sectors of each compression ring 150 machined together with articulated wire terminals, or an access door 250, shown in figure 1, to be more precisely controlled.

[0088] The next step of the assembly process is the transportation of parts to the site through for example standard articulated truck trailers. The use of special transportation vehicles is advantageously avoided, significantly reducing overall costs. In practice, it has been estimated that a set of seven articulated truck trailers containing all the parts and components of the tower structure 100 are only required.

[0089] On site reception of different parts of the tower structure 100 is carried out. Then, the structural sections S1, S2, S3 of the tower structure 100, i.e., the lower section S1 corresponding to the base and foundation, the tensioned intermediate section S2, and the cantilevered upper section S3, are assembled separately on site, on the ground. This is performed in different sub-steps, namely, forming the foundation 300 and the base, the earth berm 260, and the drain pit 230. The lower section S1 is then hoisted, providing provisional base ring mountings. Then, the intermediate section S2 is then hoisted. Laying, threading, and tensioning of structural wires 325 on the ground is then carried out. The upper section S3 is then hoisted, and finally, fittings, ecological components, the wind turbine 240, and the laminar covering element 160 are mounted.

[0090] The present tower structure 100 further includes access areas to allow easy access for maintenance personnel to any section of the tower structure 100 and the modular tower units 140 thereof ensuring safety at all times. As stated above, a main access door 250 is provided in the first tower section S1 as shown in figure 1 of the drawings. The access areas allow not only access for periodic inspections of parts of the tower structure 100 the telecommunications equipment 120.

[0091] Servicing of the tower structure 100 may include checking the tension of the steel wires 180, textile elements, the condition of the wooden parts, the surface protection thereof, the laminar covering element 160, as well as ecology monitoring of the base of the tower structure 100, depending on locations. Other operations apart from servicing of the tower structure 100 may be carried out such as for example adjusting the size of the tower structure 100. The tower structure 100 can be easily escalated where necessary to adapt to requirements due to its modular nature. The same applies to the telecommunications equipment 120 that is carried by the tower structure 100.

[0092] In addition, the present tower structure 100 may further include safety elements. Examples of safety elements are railings, plinths, stay wires, horizontal anti-fall systems with rigid or flexible anchor lines, vertical anti-fall systems, service platforms, ladders, fixing points, safety signs, lighting, fire protection, and evacuation measures, where applicable.

[0093] Further components and accessories may be also envisaged in the present tower structure 100. For example, components related to information may be provided such as devices configured to collect, analyse, and share data, such as weather data, for instance, temperature, humidity, UV radiation, sunshine and rainfall hours, wind direction and speed, etc. Said devices may include video monitoring managed by a species-specific recognition algorithm. Collected information may be used, for example, for tracking of protected species belonging to a biome where the tower structure 100 is integrated, as a support for biodiversity. Further components and accessories that may be provided in the present tower structure 100 are sensors for monitoring the tower structure 100, for the purpose of alerting about the scheduling of prescribed maintenance and servicing operations, such as wire tensioning, treatment of wooden parts, etc.

[0094] If required, bird dissuasive members may be provided as required projecting out radially from at least one modular tower unit 140.

[0095] Although one example of a tower structure 100 has been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and/or equivalents thereof are possible. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by said particular example but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0096] Reference signs related to drawings placed in parentheses in a claim are solely for attempting to increase its intelligibility and shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. Tower structure (100) for telecommunications equipment (120), the tower structure (100) comprising:

- at least one pole (130);

- at least two modular tower units (140) each comprising:

- a hollow body which, in use, surrounds the pole (120) and is configured for supporting telecommunications equipment (120) therein; and

- at least two mutually spaced apart rings (150); and

- a laminar covering element (160) extending between two opposed rings (150) in each modular tower unit (140) for covering the telecommunications equipment (120) therein.

2. The tower structure (100) of claim 1, wherein it further includes a tensegrity structure (170) comprising a net of continuous wires (180) arranged in tension, crossing each other, and joining rings (150) of different modular tower units (140).

3. The tower structure (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein it includes three poles (130).

4. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the modular tower units (140) are made of wood.

5. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein it further comprises fastening means (190) for fastening modular tower units (140) to the pole (130).

6. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the laminar covering element (160) is made of a synthetic material selected from at least one of twisted nylon, twisted polyethylene rope, PVC tape, and stainless or electroplated stranded wire.

7. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a deck (200) is formed in at least one modular tower unit (140).

8. The tower structure (100) of claim 7, wherein said deck (200) is formed by a mesh surface attached to a perimeter of a ring (150).

9. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit (140) has a geometry selected among at least one of cylindrical, tapered, and frusto-pyramidal.

10. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a geometry of the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit (140) is defined by rotating part of a curve about an axis providing a hollow body of revolution in the form of conical frustum with a circular base and a curved generatrix.

11. The tower structure (100) of any of the claims 2-10, wherein it further comprises hollow members (210), attached to intersection points of the wires (180) in the outer tensegrity structure (170), configured to act as bird nests.

12. The tower structure of any preceding claim, wherein it further includes a power generation turbine (240) for powering telecommunications equipment (120).

13. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein it further includes a drain pit (230) arranged at the bottom of the structure (100) acting as a sink for collecting moisture from fabrics provided in a modular tower unit (140).

14. The tower structure of claim 13, wherein it includes burrows (270) embedded in the drain pit (230).

15. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the bird dissuasive members are arranged projecting out radially from at least one modular tower unit (140).

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. Tower structure (100) for telecommunications equipment (120), the tower structure (100) comprising:

- at least one pole (130);

- at least two modular tower units (140) each comprising:

- a hollow body which, in use, surrounds the pole (120) and is configured for supporting telecommunications equipment (120) therein; and

- at least two mutually spaced apart rings (150);

- fastening means (190) for fastening modular tower units (140) to the pole (130); and

- a laminar covering element (160) extending between two opposed rings (150) in each modular tower unit (140) for covering the telecommunications equipment (120) therein,

characterized in that it further includes a tensegrity structure (170) comprising a net of continuous wires (180) arranged in tension, crossing each other, and joining rings (150) of different modular tower units (140).

2. The tower structure (100) of claim 1, wherein it includes three poles (130).

3. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the modular tower units (140) are made of wood.

4. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the laminar covering element (160) is made of a synthetic material selected from at least one of twisted nylon, twisted polyethylene rope, PVC tape, and stainless or electroplated stranded wire.

5. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a deck (200) is formed in at least one modular tower unit (140).

6. The tower structure (100) of claim 5, wherein said deck (200) is formed by a mesh surface attached to a perimeter of a ring (150).

7. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit (140) has a geometry selected among at least one of cylindrical, tapered, and frusto-pyramidal.

8. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a geometry of the hollow body of at least one modular tower unit (140) is defined by rotating part of a curve about an axis providing a hollow body of revolution in the form of conical frustum with a circular base and a curved generatrix.

9. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein it further comprises hollow members (210), attached to intersection points of the wires (180) in the outer tensegrity structure (170), configured to act as bird nests.

10. The tower structure of any preceding claim, wherein it further includes a power generation turbine (240) for powering telecommunications equipment (120).

11. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein it further includes a drain pit (230) arranged at the bottom of the structure (100) acting as a sink for collecting moisture from fabrics provided in a modular tower unit (140).

12. The tower structure of claim 11, wherein it includes burrows (270) embedded in the drain pit (230).

13. The tower structure (100) of any preceding claim, wherein bird dissuasive members are arranged projecting out radially from at least one modular tower unit (140).

Drawing