IsoTruss, Inc. partnered with The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI – The Composites Institute), TPI Composites, Inc., and University of Tennessee, Knoxville in a project to explore the use of composites in wind infrastructure. Patented IsoTruss Tower technology in the telecom industry reduces installation costs and increases product life without increasing overall costs. This project evaluated the use of IsoTruss technology for much larger wind turbine towers. Traditional tower solutions involve large, heavy metal pieces that require specialized transportation and installation. The IsoTruss solution, on the other hand, was composed of small, lightweight pieces that enable easier transport and on-site construction. Thus the Modular IsoTruss Tower takes advantage of the light weight, corrosion resistance, and resiliency of composite materials while matching performance of equivalent steel structures. The project concluded with a scale model demonstrating the features of the IsoTruss Modular Tower design.
The Modular IsoTruss Tower project was recently featured in the monthly Innovation Insights webinar presented by Mrs. Marianne Clayton. A recording of the webinar can be viewed here. The demonstration piece was also featured at the IACMI booth at the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) in Atlanta, Georgia. Shown with the structure are Nathan D. Rich (left), CEO of IsoTruss Inc, and Dale Brosius, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercialization Officer of IACMI at the 2023 CAMX.