Composite Lattice Tower Built in Egypt by Harbin FRP Research Institute
Release time: 2023/03/01 Publisher： original Views：
On February 3rd, 2023, FRP composite "green lattice tower", one of demonstration projects of NEXCEL 2022 program implemented by Harbin FRP Research Institute under CBMA, was built in Egypt.
According to the geographical environment and mounting requirements in Africa, the project team of Harbin FRP Research Institute has designed and built the first eco-friendly wireless lattice tower made from FRP composite in Africa. The lattice tower adopts two major project outcomes, 'key technology of composite tower structure design' and 'composite function integration and high efficiency molding technology'. The whole tower body is made of polyurethane resin and glass fiber after the high efficiency pultrusion molding process. The FPR composite tower effectively addressed the "double carbon" problems faced by telecoms, and boosting the application of composite materials in the communication infrastructure construction sector.
The eco-friendly wireless lattice tower is 18 meters high and 1.5 tons in weight, which is 50% lower than that of the steel tower. And it covers an area of 2.25 m², which is 30% lower than that of the steel one. However, it can withstand 140 KPH wind speed (level 12-13), and can carry 6 HXWXD antennas, 1 MW antenna (diameter 0.6m), and 6 RRUs. At the same time, the lattice tower is also equipped with ladder, lightning protection system, navigation lights and other components, which meets the requirements of ANSI/TIA 222-G design specification.
Substitution of steel with FRP composite significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions during steel manufacturing. The efficient mechanical forming process can rapidly form batch production to meet the market supply. The insulation characteristics of FRP composite reduce the risk of electric shock. The procurement cost of the composite tower is lower than that of the traditional iron tower. At the same time, because light weight, high strength and excellent weather resistance, FRP composite products have greatly reduced the transportation and installation cost as well as the inspection and maintenance cost. Therefore, the life-cycle cost is much lower than that of the traditional tower.
NEXCEL program closely focus on the sector development requirements, highlight the engineering application and industrialization prospects of NM materials, support the technical innovation of NM materials, address the challenges in engineering applications, and reducing global carbon footprint.