Abstract:
A method for moving a wind turbine component ( 42 ) relative to a wind turbine ( 16 ) having a tower ( 18 ) with a door ( 26 ) for closing off an opening ( 90 ) through the tower ( 18 ) includes removably positioning a transport system ( 40 ) relative to the wind turbine ( 16 ), the transport system ( 40 ) having a track ( 44 ) and a powered drive device ( 118 ), such that a first end ( 78 ) of the track ( 44 ) is positioned outside the tower ( 18 ), a second end ( 80 ) of the track ( 44 ) is positioned inside the tower ( 18 ), and the track ( 44 ) extends through the opening ( 90 ) in the tower ( 18 ). The transport system ( 40 ) is configured to facilitate movement of the wind turbine component ( 42 ) between an inside of the tower ( 18 ) and an outside of the tower ( 18 ) through the opening ( 90 ). The method further comprises moving the wind turbine component ( 42 ) vertically within the tower ( 18 ) away from or toward the track ( 44 ) using the powered drive device ( 118 ) of the transport system ( 40 ). A transport system ( 40 ) for implementing such a method is also disclosed.

Description:
[0001]    This invention relates to hinged tower segments and transport methods, and in particular to methods and apparatus for handling hinged segments of steel wind turbine towers, and to the transport and storage of the hinged segments. 
         [0002]    The increasing demand for wind energy may be met both by building more wind parks and by building wind parks capable of generating more energy per turbine. Generating more energy per turbine requires wind turbines with larger generators, which in turn need larger blades to capture more energy from the incident wind. Such turbines also require wider and taller towers to support the blades, nacelle and other components. The increasing physical dimensions of modern wind turbine towers lead to difficulties in transporting the tower from the manufacturing site to the installation site where the wind turbine is to be constructed. This is particularly true if the wind turbine tower or parts of the wind turbine tower are to be transported by road, for example on the trailer of a truck, causing potential disruption to other road users. 
         [0003]    Wind turbine towers may therefore be transported as a series of prefabricated parts which are assembled into the tower at the installation site. Although the use of prefabricated tower parts makes transport easier, additional overhead is placed on the pre-transport and assembly processes as a result of the larger number of component parts that need to be moved and handled. A tower made up of prefabricated parts is described in WO2004/083633, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, due to variations in individual manufacturing processes prefabricated sections may not always fit together as readily as would be desired, resulting in more intensive labour at the construction site. In addition, the prefabricated parts may need to be assembled into a tower that tapers from a wider base to a smaller diameter towards the top. This means that the prefabricated parts may be of different physical dimensions to one another and thus require more complex handling and transport. 
         [0004]    Even if prefabricated tower parts are used, they may still often be too large for conventional road transport to be possible. Whilst reducing the size of the prefabricated parts overcomes this problem, it brings significant disadvantages, particularly due to increased construction costs because more time has to be spent assembling the tower. We have therefore appreciated that it is desirable to provide improved apparatus and methods for transporting segments of a wind turbine tower. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention is defined in the independent claims to which reference should now be made. Advantageous features are set out in the dependent claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of part of a vertical section of a wind turbine tower; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a tower segment in perspective view, showing horizontal and vertical flanges and hinges attached to the vertical flanges; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate two tower segments being connected together by means of the hinges; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a rotational lifting tool for use with a tower segment; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate two tower segments being loaded onto the trailer of a truck; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  illustrates connected first and second tower segments and a single third tower segment loaded onto the trailers of two trucks; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  illustrates the use of intra-segment support members on a pair of tower segments; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5C  illustrates the use of inter-segment support members on a pair of tower segments; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates two hinged tower segments unloaded onto rollers; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the use of the rotational lifting tool and supporting arm in opening the hinged segments; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates the rotation of the tower segments on a roller bed; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a third tower segment being lowered onto the two hinged tower segments to form a complete tower section; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates construction of a work platform in the complete tower section; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  illustrate lifting brackets fitted to tower segments; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates an arrangement where the tower section is comprised of segments of unequal size; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  illustrates how unequally sized segments, connected by hinges, are moved into a compact arrangement; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  illustrates another way of moving unequally sized segments, connected by hinges, into a compact arrangement; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  illustrates the lifting of a pair of tower segments into a vertical orientation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  illustrates the unhinging of two tower segments in a vertical orientation; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of the two unhinged tower segments in a vertical orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In the present invention, ease of transport, storage, and assembly of the tower segments is improved by applying hinges between adjacent tower segments at their vertical edges. This enables adjacent tower segments to be coupled together by means of the hinges, whilst also allowing the positions and orientations of the tower segments relative to one another to be adjusted. This makes the transport, storage, and assembly processes more efficient. This will be described in more detail below. 
         [0028]    Wind turbine towers may be constructed from a plurality of steel shells joined together by means of bolted or welded joints. The plurality of steel shells are generally cylindrical and may have diameters that are greater for the shells used at the base section of the tower and smaller for sections used at the top. This gives the tower a tapered shape with a wider base, providing a structure strong enough to support the nacelle and the components housed within it, and to resist the lateral forces from the wind and rotor blades. The steel shells are often manufactured at a tower production site and joined, such as by welding, together into vertical sections of the tower for transport to a construction or installation site. The shells can also be frusto-conical in shape. Other cross sectional shapes might be possible. 
         [0029]    A vertical section of the tower may therefore be made up of a plurality of steel shells. The vertical sections of the tower may be cut into segments for ease of transport as described in WO 2004/083633 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Methods and apparatus for assembling, handling, transporting, and disassembling segments of a wind turbine tower are also described in Danish patent application numbers PA 2014 70218, PA 2014 70216, and PA 2014 70217 filed on 14 Apr. 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Transport may potentially be over both land and sea. 
         [0030]    The segments are secured to one another to form a tower section by means of vertical flanges located along the interior of the segments at their vertical edges. The flanges of adjacent segments can be joined using bolts inserted through bolt holes in the flanges. Flanges are also attached to the periphery of the open ends of the vertical section so the tower sections, once mounted on top of each other, can be joined together. Similarly, the flanges of adjacent segments and sections are joined using bolts inserted through bolt holes in the flanges. 
         [0031]    Once the vertical tower sections are assembled into a tower, the flanges attached to the open ends of the vertical sections will be orientated horizontally, and will be joined to corresponding flanges on the neighbouring sections. In use, the interior longitudinal flanges will be orientated vertically. The terms horizontal and vertical flanges will therefore be used herein to distinguish the two types of flanges from one another. 
         [0032]    A process comprising the steps of first forming a complete tower section and subsequently cutting the vertical section into segments assists the segments in fitting together properly when they are reassembled at the installation site. This technique, described in more detail in Danish patent application number PA 2014 70245 filed on 25 Apr. 2014 which is hereby incorporated by reference, is therefore in contrast to methods where individual segments are separately manufactured and then assembled into a vertical section for the first time at the installation site. When the segments are reassembled into the vertical sections, the longitudinal edges of the segments are joined along the vertical flanges provided on the interior of the tower section. Alternatively, the segments can be manufactured as single parts without cutting them out from a complete tower section. 
         [0033]    The use of the word vertical with regard to the sections and the flanges is to indicate their orientation once installed in the tower, and is not therefore intended to be used in a limiting way with regard to the method of production or assembly. As will be explained below, the handling, disassembly and reassembly processes are more conveniently carried out while the tower section is laid horizontally. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a partial span  10  of an assembled wind turbine tower, the tower being constructed from several shells  11  being welded or bolted together. For clarity only the lower five shells  11  are labelled in  FIG. 1 , but it will be appreciated that the shell structure continues along the length of the tower span  10 . 
         [0035]    Span  10  is shown as comprising two vertical sections  14   a  and  14   b  joined together to one another at horizontal join  12 . Horizontal flanges  17  are located at the horizontal joins  12 , and at the top and bottom of the span  10 , in order to allow adjacent sections to be connected together. A tower will often be made up of many vertical sections, depending on its height. In practice, the opposing horizontal flanges  17  located on the open ends of the respective vertical sections are brought together using lifting machinery, such as a tower crane, and the vertical sections are then secured to one another using bolts passing through bolt holes in the horizontal flanges  17 . 
         [0036]    As noted above, it is desirable to transport the vertical sections as respective segments which are then reassembled at the installation site. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the sections  14   a  and  14   b  are formed by three segments joined together at vertical joins  16  running parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry of the tower. In alternative embodiments each vertical section may be formed of more or fewer segments. Further, the number of segments from which each section is formed may differ depending on where in the tower the section will be located. As the diameter of the tower is largest at the bottom, the vertical sections for this part of the tower may be divided into more segments than sections from the top of the tower where the diameter is smaller. In this example, the base section or sections of the tower may for example comprise four segments, while the section or sections at the top may comprise only two segments. The segments are joined to one another by bolting along the complementary vertical flanges arranged on their interior surface. The vertical flanges cannot be seen in  FIG. 1 . As will be described below, joining the segments together into the vertical sections is preferably carried out before the step of assembling the vertical sections into the tower. The segments may be arranged horizontally while they are joined to one another. Furthermore, although the segments of the respective vertical sections are shown as being aligned in  FIG. 1 , the segments in adjacent sections need not be arranged in alignment with one another, but may be offset in the azimuthal direction. 
         [0037]    The segments may have substantially the same arc length and therefore subtend substantially the same angle with respect to the centre of the tower section. Alternatively, it may be preferable to cut the tower section into segments of unequal arc lengths. 
         [0038]    The wind turbine towers described and illustrated herein are cylindrical in shape. They may also be tapered so that the diameter of the tower at the base is greater than the diameter of tower near the nacelle. Although a cylinder with a circular cross-section has been described, the cross-section may also be elliptical, polygonal, or generally polygonal, that is polygonal but with curved or rounded edges. For polygonal cross-sections, the segments of the vertical wind turbine sections can be formed so that once assembled the vertical edges of the segments are positioned mid-way or partially mid-way along the sides of the surface, rather than at the vertices of the cylinder. This will mean that the segments will have a curved, angled or bent surface profile between the two vertical edges. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a wind turbine tower segment  30   a . The segment  30   a  comprises a pair of horizontal flanges  17  and a pair of vertical flanges  18  attached to the edges of the segment. A hinge  28  is attached to the segment  30   a . The hinge  28  may be bolted along a vertical flange  18  running the length of the tower segment as shown in the figure, or may be bonded directly onto the edge of the segment, for example by welding. Other locations and joining techniques are possible. The hinge may comprise several connecting parts, for example four connecting parts as shown in the exploded view in the figure, for connecting to the segments. More than one hinge may be connected along the length of the segment. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , each connecting part of the hinge may comprise a barrel  281  and a tab  282  for securing to a vertical edge of a tower segment. The barrel  281  is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises an opening along its longitudinal axis. The tab  282  has one or more holes  283  drilled through it. Bolts are passed through these holes before passing through holes within the vertical flange  18 . When the bolts are secured with nuts the hinge is then secured to the tower segment. Adjacent connecting parts of the hinge are secured together by passing a pin (not shown in the figure) through the respective barrel sections  281 , allowing adjacent tabs  282  to rotate with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis defined by the pin. Other suitable hinge mechanisms may also be used. In one embodiment, the vertical flanges  18  are connected directly onto the vertical edges  16  of the tower segments, such that when the hinges  28  are closed the thickness of the hinges prevents vertical edges of adjacent tower segments from touching one another when adjacent vertical flanges  18  are bolted together. In this case a continuous hinge may be attached to the vertical edge  16  along its full length, such that the barrel sections  281  of the hinge form a seal between the adjacent vertical edges  16 . The gap between the vertical edges may also be filled with a sealant or resin to make the tower section weatherproof. 
         [0041]    The hinges shown in  FIG. 2  are illustrated as connected to the vertical flanges of the segments. They may be connected to these flanges between bolt holes that are later used to connect the flanges together. They may additionally be provided in recesses provided in the surface of the flanges so that when the hinges are closed they have a low profile between the flanges. The hinges may be connected to the vertical flanges during production of the segments, either before or after the steel shells have been cut into segments. They may also be connected during transport or handling of the segments after production, and/or before or during assembly of the segments into a complete tower section. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment, the steel shells  11  have an arc length extending slightly beyond the position onto which the vertical flange  18  is welded. This allows adjacent vertical edges  16  to touch one another when the hinges  28  are closed and adjacent vertical flanges are bolted together. As above, a sealant, sealing tape, or resin may also be used to join the gap between two adjacent vertical edges  16 . 
         [0043]    The hinges may be positioned on either side of the vertical flanges  18 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hinges are positioned on a first side of the vertical flanges  18 , between the vertical flanges  18  and the vertical edges  16 , such that the hinges are on the inside of a pair of adjacent vertical flanges when the segments are hinged together. In alternative embodiments the hinges may be positioned on a second side of the vertical flanges  18 , between the vertical flanges  18  and the steel shell  11 , such that the hinges are on the outside of a pair of adjacent vertical flanges when the segments are hinged together. 
         [0044]    It is also possible to connect the hinges directly to the steel shells  11  without connecting them to the vertical flanges. They may be so connected at any time after the steel shells have been cut into segments, including during transport or handling of the segments after production, and/or before or during assembly of the segments into a complete tower section. The hinges may be connected onto the steel shell  11  located between two adjacent vertical flanges  18 . 
         [0045]    It is desirable to provide a work platform upon which one or more engineers may stand to carry out construction work or maintenance on one or more tower sections, and in particular the work platforms allow access to the horizontal flanges of adjacent sections while these are connected together. The platforms may also be used as somewhere to rest tools, component parts of the wind turbine under construction, construction machinery, ladders, and other works-related equipment.  FIG. 3A  shows platform sections  160   a ,  160   b  positioned on the tower segments  30   a ,  30   b  respectively. The platform sections may be made of a steel sheet, similar in construction to the tower shell, although other materials which are suitably strong and with a suitable thickness to enable the required weights to be supported on the platform may be used. The shape of the platform sections  160   a ,  160   b  are such that they span the area defined by the curved part of the segment  30   a ,  30   b  and the straight line connecting either end of the segment  30   a ,  30   b  when viewed in cross section, as shown in  FIG. 3A . In alternative embodiments the shapes and sizes of the platform sections may vary. The platform sections may for example be usefully connected to the interior of the segment adjacent the one or more horizontal flanges. The spacing can be between 1 m to 2 m to allow a service engineer to stand on the platform and access the flange. Alternatively, the work platform may connect to the horizontal flange, to the segment and/or to the vertical flanges of the segment. 
         [0046]    The platform sections are removable from the tower segment and may be installed only for the initial construction of the tower. The platform sections may also be added at a later time, for example after the transport of the tower segments from the factory to the site of wind turbine construction. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , the segment  30   a  has been moved onto support structure  36  by means of a crane  34  equipped with a rotating lifting tool  40 . The support structure  36  has an adjustable width and an adjustable height, and the dimensions of the structure may therefore be changed to make them suitable for holding a tower segment of a given size. The adjustable width and height may be provided by telescopically extending and retracting legs and cross-bars, which may be moveable by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means. In alternative embodiments, a fixed support structure may be used, or one in which only the height of the support structure changes but the width remains fixed. 
         [0048]    One support structure  36  is provided at either end of the length of the tower segment, in order to keep the segment substantially horizontal. Further support structures may be provided midway along the length of the segment to provide extra support. Hinges  28  may be attached either to the vertical flanges  18  or steel shell  11  of the tower segment  30   a  either before or after it is moved onto the support structure. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3A  also depicts a second segment  30   b  attached to the rotating lifting tool  40 . The rotating lifting tool  40 , having a mounting bracket for connection to the horizontal flange of a segment, is attached to the crane  34  for example by means of hooks and loops. The mounting bracket is subsequently bolted onto, or grips onto, the horizontal flange of the segment  30   b.    
         [0050]    The rotational lifting tool  40  is equipped with rotation means  42  which rotates about its longitudinal axis, allowing the angle of the segment  30   b  to which the mounting bracket is connected to be adjusted relative to the crane  34 . Rotation means  42  comprises, for example, an electric motor and gear system in order to rotate segment  30   b  in a controlled way at the same time as it is lifted or lowered by the crane  34 . 
         [0051]    In this way, the crane  34  may simultaneously lower and rotate segment  30   b  into the position and orientation shown in  FIG. 3B , where both of the respective vertical edges of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  are positioned adjacent one another. When in this position, at least one set of hinges  28  are joined together, thereby keeping the two tower segments  30   a  and  30   b  in the correct longitudinal alignment with one another by securing one pair of vertical edges together. The hinges  28  may be attached to either or both of the segments  30   a ,  30   b  at any time before they are joined together. In this embodiment, a cable or clamp may be used to secure the other vertical edges of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  together so that the joined segments can be lifted from the transport vehicle as a unit. In another embodiment, both sets of hinges  28  are joined, thereby securing both pairs of vertical edges together. In a further embodiment, one or more inter-segment support member(s), described in the following with relation to  FIG. 5C , may be used for this purpose. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3C  shows the rotational lifting tool  40  in more detail. The rotational lifting tool generally comprises a tool body having a first section  43  and second section  47  connected at a mutual pivot  41 , the pivot defining a rotational axis around which the second section of the tool body rotates with respect to the first section. A first connector is provided on the first section of the tool body, for coupling with the crane  34 . The first connector may couple to the lifting cable or hook or lifting arm of a crane, or of a lifting vehicle. In use, the lifting tool may be suspended vertically by the first connector. The second section  47  has a second connector for engaging with the horizontal flange of the wind turbine segment. The rotational means  42  of the tool has an actuator for driving the second section  47  of the tool body around the rotational axis, and a lock for locking the second section of the tool body in place with respect to the first section  43 . 
         [0053]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3C , the first section comprises mounting member  43  and the first connector comprises loops or chains  48 . The mounting member  43  can then be connected to the hooks of the crane  34  by means of the loops or chains  48 . The mounting member  43  also holds, by means of the rotation means or rotatable mounting  42 , the second section or bracket  47 , which is attached by means of bolts to a segment  30  of a wind turbine tower. In this example, the actuator is an electric motor  45  mounted to the bracket  47  or the mounting member  43  and which drives a worm gear  46 . The worm gear  46  engages with gear wheel  49  in order to rotate the gear wheel  49  during operation. As the gear wheel  49 , which is offset from the centre of wheel  44 , turns, its position rotates about the central axis of wheel  44  due to the engagement between the teeth of wheel  49  and those on wheel  44  (not shown in the figure). As wheel  44  is rigidly connected to the mounting member  43 , such an action causes the mounting bracket  47 , together with the motor  45  and worm gear  46 , to rotate relative to the mounting member  43 . This therefore allows the segment  30  to be rotated by an arbitrary angle about its longitudinal axis. 
         [0054]      FIG. 3C  shows a view of a first rotational lifting tool connected to or gripping a first end of the segment  30 . A second rotational lifting tool may also be connected to or grip a second end of the segment  30 , the second rotational lifting tool also being held up by a crane. In order to ensure that the two ends of the segment  30  are rotated at the same rate and by the same amount, the motors  45  of the first and second rotational lifting tools are synchronized in the turning motion they provide to worm gears  46 . 
         [0055]    As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the details of the gear arrangement described in the above example embodiment of the rotational lifting tool may vary depending on the required torque and speed of rotation at the bracket  47 , as well as the precise characteristics of the motor  45 . Furthermore, although the arrangement in  FIG. 3C  shows the bracket  47  bolted onto the horizontal flange at the end of a segment  30 , in alternative embodiments the bracket  47  may be connected to or grip a support member attached to the segment, a vertical flange, or a part of the shell making up the segment  30 . The first and second rotational lifting tools may be mounted in different ways at each end of the segment  30 . 
         [0056]    The rotational lifting tool  40  is used together with the crane  34  to position the first segment  30   a  onto the transport frame  36  as shown in  FIG. 3A , and is also used in positioning the second segment  30   b  above segment  30   a  so that at least one pair of vertical edges can be joined together by means of the hinges  28 . In sections comprising three tower segments, a third segment (not shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) may also be positioned by the crane and rotational lifting tool onto a transport frame in the same way as has been described for segment  30   a . An embodiment with three hinged segments will be described later. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show the segments  30   a  and  30   b , together with platform sections  160   a  and  160   b  and hinges  28 , being loaded onto a trailer  82  of the truck  84 . Lifting brackets  33   a  and  33   b  are not shown in these figures. The support structures  36  are sufficiently tall to allow trailer  82  to pass underneath the segments  30   a  and  30   b . When the trailer  82  is fully underneath the segments, the height of the support structures may be lowered to allow the segments to rest upon the trailer. The trailer  82  may have a curved shape in order to better support the curved surface of the lower segment  30   a . Restraining means, for example chocks, ropes, chains, and/or straps, may be used to secure the segments  30   a  and  30   b  to the trailer for transport. When the segments  30   a ,  30   b  are fully supported by the trailer  82  the support structures  36  are removed. 
         [0058]      FIG. 5A  shows the two segments  30   a  and  30   b  being transported on a first trailer  82   a , and a third segment  30   c  being transported on a second trailer  82   b . Platform sections  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  are shown. Thus, compared to transporting the segments individually on three separate vehicles, the three segments that make up one vertical section of the tower can be transported on only two vehicles, and furthermore the reassembly of the tower section at the construction site is faster as at least one pair of vertical edges on the respective segments  30   a  and  30   b  are already joined together with the correct longitudinal alignment by the hinges  28   
         [0059]    In some embodiments, it is desirable to provide handling support members which improve the rigidity of the segments during handling, transport, and storage. These may be provided in addition or instead of the platform sections  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c , which themselves also provide a degree of support and stiffening during handling, transport, and storage. These handling support members will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5B and 5C . For clarity the platform sections are not shown in these two figures. 
         [0060]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side elevation view of a pair of segments  30   a  and  30   b  which are connected together along their vertical flanges by at least one hinged joint  28 . Intra-segment support members  26  are attached to the horizontal flanges  17  of each of the segments  30   a  and  30   b , with one support member attached at each end of each segment. The intra-segment support members  26  may be releasably secured to the horizontal flanges with bolts. The intra-segment support members  26  are arranged substantially along one or more chords of the arc defined by the end of the segment when viewed in cross section. 
         [0061]    Intra-segment support members  26  are preferably made of a material with a high tensile strength, such as steel, and comprise a central straight section and two angled shoulders where the intra-segment support members  26  join the horizontal flange  17 . Intra-segment support members  26  act to maintain the shape of the segments by providing them with structural support and improve their rigidity. At least two intra-segment support members are used for each segment, provided at both ends of each tower segment. Alternatively, the intra-segment support members may be positioned within the longitudinal span of the segment. In another configuration three supporting members may be used, two of which are located at either end of the segment with a third supporting member located midway along the segment. Any intermediate intra-segment support members, fitted midway along the tower segment, may be releasably secured to the vertical flanges of the segment or the tower shell. 
         [0062]    When not assembled into the tower, the supports  26  act to maintain the shape of the segments by providing them with structural support. Further the handling support members  26  allow respective tower segments to be stacked on top of one another, with the point of contact and weight of the segments being borne predominantly by the stacked handling support members  26  of each segment. Some weight may also be borne by the curved segments shells resting on one another. The angled shoulders and central straight portion of the handling support members have a shape that tessellates with the handling support members of other segments so that the segments and the handling support members can stack. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5C  illustrates another side elevation view of a pair of segments  30   a  and  30   b , connected together along their vertical flanges by at least one hinged joint  28 . This arrangement differs from that of  FIG. 5B  in that inter-segment support members  27  are attached to the horizontal flanges  17  of the segments  30   a  and  30   b , in such a way as to connect the two segments together. At each end of the segments, two inter-segment support members  27  are shown close to the left-hand and right-hand hinges  28 . A pair of inter-segment support members are attached at each end of the segments  30   a  and  30   b . As with the intra-segment supports, the inter-segment supports  27  may be releasably secured to the horizontal flanges with bolts, and are preferably made of a material with a high tensile strength, such as steel. They comprise a central straight section which bridges between the two segments  30   a  and  30   b , and angled shoulders where they join the horizontal flanges  17 . 
         [0064]    The inter-segment support members  27  act to maintain the shape of the segments by providing them with structural support and rigidity, and also act to secure the two segments  30   a  and  30   b  to each other during handling, transport, or storage. They may therefore supplement the connection between segments  30   a  and  30   b  that is already provided by the hinges  28 . At least two inter-segment support members are connected to each pair of segments, one provided at each of the segments ends. Further inter-segment support members  27 , for example one extra support member  27 , may also be provided at each end to give the configuration shown in  FIG. 5C  where two such support members are connected to each segment at each end. As with the intra-segment supports  26 , the inter-segment supports may be positioned inside the longitudinal span of the segment by connecting them to the tower shell, and may be used to support or stack the segments on the ground. 
         [0065]    In other embodiments a combination of intra- and inter-segment supports may be used with the same pair of tower segments. For example, the intra-segment supports  26  can be provided midway along the segments  30   a ,  30   b  to support the curved structure of each segment individually, and inter-segment supports  27  can be provided at each end of the segments  30   a ,  30   b  to lock the segments together. Alternative configurations are equally possible. 
         [0066]    Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described, in which a roller bed is used during the unloading and assembly of the tower segments to form a complete tower section. 
         [0067]      FIG. 6  shows the two segments  30   a  and  30   b  having been unloaded onto rollers  22  by a crane  34  equipped with rotating lifting tool  40 . One crane  34  and rotating lifting tool  40  are positioned at each end of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  to allow them to remain substantially horizontal during lifting. For unloading by crane it is preferable to secure shut both of the set of hinges  28  to ensure that the segments are fully joined to each other. The segments can also be secured together by means of at least one inter-segment support  27 , which can be used in addition to the hinges. This removes the risk of the segments  30   a ,  30   b  coming apart during the crane lift. Alternatively, the segments  30   a  and  30   b  may be unloaded directly from the trailer  82   a  onto rollers  22 , with the use of a transport support frame for example. 
         [0068]    Roller bed  20  comprises a flat base to which pairs of rollers  22  are mounted by means of the brackets  24 . The brackets  24  provide a hinged connection to the pairs of rollers  22 , allowing the pairs of rollers  22  to swivel and thereby accommodate tower segments or sections of different sizes. In alternative embodiments more or fewer rollers may be mounted to each bracket. The rollers may extend continuously along the length of the roller bed, or groups of shorter rollers may be provided at various distances along the length of the roller bed. In this latter case, as a minimum it will be required to have one set of rollers at or close to each end of the tower section, in order to ensure that the section is properly supported. Thus in some embodiments at least one roller bed at each end of the tower section will be required. 
         [0069]    The use of a roller bed allows the tower section to be conveniently rotated, improving the efficiency of the tower section construction process. In alternative embodiments a simple flat bed may be used with chocks supporting the tower section and preventing it from rolling on the flat bed. In some of these embodiments the flat bed takes the form of two or more parallel rails, along which the tower section can be rolled. Chocks can be inserted between the tower section and the rails. Preferably, one rail or beam is provided at each end of the tower section, and the rails or beams have a coating to ensure that they do not damage the surface of the wind turbine tower. Suitable materials for the coating include rubber, wood or other resilient plastic materials for example, that will support but not damage the exterior surface of the tower segment or section. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7A  shows the rotating lifting tool  40  of the crane  34  attached to or gripping the segment  30   b , in order to unhinge it. Before the crane begins to lift the segment  30   b  the hinge on the right hand side between segments  30   a  and  30   b  is unlocked, for example by removing the pins passing through the barrels  281 . The other hinge  28  on the left hand side remains secured together. The crane and rotating lifting tool simultaneously lift and rotate the segment  30   b  in order to achieve an unfolding motion as shown by the arrows to bring the assembly to the configuration shown in  FIG. 7A . One crane  34  and rotational lifting tool  40  are provided at each end of the segment  30   b , and their movements during the unhinging are synchronised such that both ends of the segment  30   b  move by the same amount relative to the other segment  30   a.    
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , a telescopic supporting arm  138  is inserted between the two open ends of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  to hold the segments open and prevent them from rotating about the axis of the hinged joint  28 . The telescopic supporting arm  138  may be placed against the interior surface of the segments, or may be securely and temporarily connected to the horizontal or vertical flanges. Supporting arm  138  may, for example, consist of two tubes slidable over one another and lockable into a fixed position when spanning the distance between the free ends of segments  30   a  and  30   b . Further, the telescopic supporting arm  138  may comprise an actuator or driver to push against the hinged segments causing them to open. 
         [0072]    In other embodiments the segments may alternatively be held open by securing the hinged joint  28 , for example by means of a bracket (not shown in the figures), to prevent the hinging motion. Such a bracket may be provided at each end of the segments, overlapping both segments across the hinged join, and connected to the horizontal flanges of both segments. 
         [0073]      FIG. 8  shows how the assembly of  FIG. 7B  is rotated on the roller bed  20 , such that the hinged join  28  moves towards the roller bed  20  and the segments reach a stable equilibrium. This rotation is effected in a controlled way under gravity by lowering of cranes  34  together with a rotation of the rotating lifting tools  40 . At least one crane and one rotational lifting tool is provided at each end of the segments  30   a  and  30   b , and their motions are synchronised as described above. 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 9 , a third segment  30   c  is shown being lowered onto the top of the assembly in order to complete the tower section. Supporting arm  138  may be removed once the third segment  30   c  is in place. Alternatively, the supporting arm  138  may remain in place until some time after the third segment  30   c  is securely mounted to the other segments  30   a  and  30   b . This secure mounting is achieved by bolting the vertical flanges of the segments together and tightening the bolts. 
         [0075]    As three segments are shown in  FIG. 9 , the central opening between the platform sections  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  is triangular in shape. As shown in  FIG. 10 , once the tower section is assembled, a central work platform section  160   d  can be inserted into the central opening to fill the gap. Lifting and insertion can be carried out using the extendable lifting arm  164  of a construction vehicle. The central work platform section  160   d  is attached to lifting gear  166 , which in turn is supported by a fork  162  mounted on the end of the arm  164 . The triangular central work platform section  160   d  may then be joined to the work platform segments  160   a ,  160   b , and/or  160   c  by welding or bolting, or other fastening means, as will be known in the art. A gap  168  may be provided in the central work platform section  160   d  to act as an access opening. The central work platform may be alternative shapes, fitting within the triangular opening, such as square shapes, or shapes with rotational symmetry, with any gaps between the central work platform section and the work platform segments then being available for use as an access opening. In towers with four segments, the central opening formed by the segments will be square. A central work platform section may then be square, with other shapes being possible as in the triangular case discussed above. 
         [0076]    Another embodiment of the present invention, in which segments are unloaded and assembled without the use of a roller bed, will now be described. 
         [0077]      FIG. 11A  shows a perspective view of two segments  30   a  and  30   b  hinged together. The horizontal flanges  17  and vertical flanges  18  are shown, and adjacent vertical flanges  18  are joined by means of hinges  28 . The hinges  28  may be placed along the vertical flange  18  at regular or irregular intervals, or hinges  28  may be used to form a continuous join between the two segments  30   a  and  30   b . Having arrived at the construction site of the wind turbine tower, cranes are used to lift the two segments  30   a  and  30   b  off the transport vehicle and onto a support bed. 
         [0078]    Lifting brackets  33   a  are mounted to the horizontal flanges  17 . As shown in the figure, the lifting brackets  33   a  are mounted only to the horizontal flanges  17  of one segment  30   b , but they may also or alternatively be mounted to the horizontal flanges  17  of the other segment  30   a . In other embodiments the lifting brackets  33   a  are mounted onto the horizontal flanges  17 , or onto one of the shells making up the body of the segment. Where intra-segment support members  26  or inter-segment support members  27  are fixed to the segments, the lifting brackets  33   a  may be mounted on these support members. The lifting brackets  33   a  are mounted onto the segment when the segments are prepared for transport at the factory, or alternatively are mounted onto the segments once the segments have been transported to the construction site and are awaiting assembly. 
         [0079]    Lifting brackets  33   a  may have a substantially triangular shape as depicted in  FIG. 11A , with one or more bolt holes drilled through the bracket to allow it to be bolted onto the horizontal flange  17 . The bolt holes of the bracket therefore overlap with bolt holes on the horizontal flange. One or more further holes are provided to allow the bracket to connect to a hook, chain, or rope to allow lifting of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  by a crane. In other embodiments the lifting brackets  33   a  are welded onto the segment or its flanges. Lifting brackets  33   a  may be made of steel sheeting for example, or another material of sufficient strength to allow the wind turbine segments to be safely lifted. 
         [0080]    The right hand set of hinges  28  may then be unlocked, if they have been used during transport to secure the edges together, for example by removing the pins from their barrels, and a cable  110  is secured to the front lifting bracket  33   a  by looping one end of the cable through the hole in the bracket. The other end of the cable is attached to a crane or extendable arm (not shown in the figure) to provide a lifting force in the cable  110 , with the result that the segment  30   b  unfolds by rotating about the left hand set of hinges  28 . The lower segment  30   a  can be secured, for example by using chocks, to prevent it moving during this process. In alternative embodiments, a second cable is looped through the rear lifting bracket  33   a  such that one cable and a crane to which it is attached are provided at either end of the segment  30   b . The segments are then unfolded by lifting both of these cables simultaneously. In this way the segments  30   b  can be unfolded whilst keeping segment  30   a  substantially horizontal on the support bed. A crane and lifting means can then be used to position and attach further segments  30   c , in the same way as described for the method above. 
         [0081]      FIG. 11B  shows another lifting configuration, in which small lifting brackets  33   a  are fitted to each of the segments  30   a  and  30   b , and a large lifting bracket  33   b  is fitted to one of the segments, for example segment  30   b . The large lifting bracket  33   b  has one or more, and preferably at least three, holes through which bolts can be placed to secure the bracket to the horizontal flange  17  and to allow the bracket to follow the curve of the flange. The large lifting bracket therefore extends further around the arc of the horizontal flange. The extra security provided by these extra bolts in the large lifting brackets  33   b  that are not present in the small lifting brackets  33   a  allows the crane to lift the segments at a position close to the vertical edge (that is, close to the vertical flange), without risk of damaging the segments. This improves the stability of the segments during the lift. Thus, in this embodiment, three points of connection are available for a crane to lift the end of segments  30   a  and  30   b . Having unlocked the right hand set of hinges  28 , and by lifting the cables  111   b  and the left hand cable  111   a , the assembly is lifted and the segments  30   a  and  30   b  are prevented from unfolding. The right hand cable  111   a  is slack, as shown in the figure. 
         [0082]      FIG. 11C  shows the same assembly of segments as in  FIG. 11B  later in the assembly process. Whilst the segments  30   a  and  30   b  are being lifted, the tension in the cables is adjusted so that the weight of the segments is supported by both of the cables  111   a , and  111   b  is allowed to slacken. This has the effect of opening the hinge  28  between the connected segments and unfolding the segments, allowing the assembly to reach the configuration shown in  FIG. 11C . When the segments are unfolded the large lifting bracket  33   b  spans both segments and can therefore be conveniently used to lock the segments  30   a  and  30   b  into the position shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         [0083]    The partial section of two connected segments shown in  FIG. 11C  can then be lowered by means of the crane or lifting tool onto further tower segments located on a support bed. Where the section is split into three segments, only a single segment may be pre-positioned on the support bed for attachment to the two sections shown in  FIG. 11 . Where the section comprises four segments, the two segments shown in  FIG. 11C  may be positioned on top of the two segments shown in  FIG. 11A , once these are opened out and secured in place. 
         [0084]    Although the lifting brackets and cables are only shown at one end of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  in  FIGS. 11B and 110 , a similar configuration of lifting brackets and cables is also provided at the other end of the segments in order to keep the assembly substantially horizontal during the lifting and unfolding. 
         [0085]    In an alternative embodiment the partial sections are assembled vertically on a tower foundation or assembly platform, without the use of a support bed. Once the segments are unhinged and locked into an open position, a crane is used to lift the segments into a vertical orientation and lower them onto an assembly platform. Further segments are similarly lowered onto the assembly platform with their vertical flanges adjacent each other. The vertical flanges are then bolted together to form a complete tower section. The first complete tower section, which is to be positioned at the bottom of the tower, is lifted by a crane onto a tower foundation, or is constructed directly on the tower foundation. The lower horizontal flanges are then secured to the foundation. Subsequent complete tower sections are assembled on the assembly platform and are lifted onto lower tower sections before the horizontal flanges of adjacent tower sections are bolted together. 
         [0086]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment the whole tower section, after having been manufactured from the steel shells, is divided into segments of unequal arc length when the tower section is viewed in cross section as illustrated in the figure. During production the tower section is cut to produce a segment  202  with short arc length, segment  204  with medium arc length, and segment  206  with long arc length. Also during production, the boundaries between the long  206  and short  202  segments, and also between the long  206  and medium  204  segments, are secured with hinges  28  in a similar way to the previously presented embodiments. The boundary  208 , between the short segment  202  and medium segment  204 , is not so secured and instead is left open. Vertical and horizontal flanges, not shown in the figure, may be provided at the edges of each segment as already discussed. 
         [0087]      FIG. 13  shows how such an arrangement allows the three tower segments  202 ,  204 ,  206  to be collapsed down into a compact spiral shape for transportation or storage. The space saving obtained by collapsing the structure down in this way makes the tower section more suitable for transportation over land or sea, and has the advantage that the tower section may be easily reconstructed by unfolding. It may be desirable to provide padding or other supporting means between the unhinged end of segment  204  and the segment  202 , and also between the unhinged end of segment  202  and segment  206 , to prevent damage to the segments. Inter- or intra-segment supports of a suitable length and shape may also be provided to hold the arrangement in position and provide extra strength and rigidity, or a frame secured to the ends of the segments may be used for this purpose. In addition, and particularly for transport, one or more cables, ropes, or straps may be wrapped around the assembly to ensure that the compact arrangement is maintained and to prevent the segments from unfolding. 
         [0088]    As all three of the segments are secured together, the original alignment of the three segments, in a longitudinal direction, is preserved throughout the transportation and reassembly of the tower section. When the tower section is to be reassembled at the construction site, the segments are hinged back into position, for example using the rotating lifting tool and/or lifting brackets described in relation to the previous embodiments. Brackets are mounted across the hinged joints  28  to secure them. Alternatively the hinged joints  28  will be secured when the vertical flanges between adjacent tower segments are joined together in constructing the tower section. 
         [0089]    In one embodiment, after arriving at the construction site, the folded configuration is lifted off the transport vehicle by a crane with the cables, ropes, straps, supports, and/or frames still securing the assembly and preventing it from unfolding during the lift. The largest segment  206  is rested upon a surface, and secured using chocks for example. The cables, ropes, or straps are then removed, and the cable of a crane is secured to brackets attached to the segment  204  (the cable and brackets are not shown in the figure). Tension in the cable unfolds the segment  204  and it is locked into position by securing the vertical flanges together. Following this, the cable of the crane is secured to brackets attached to the segment  202 , and this segment is similarly unfolded. The remaining adjacent vertical flanges are then secured together to complete the tower section. 
         [0090]    In another embodiment, the folded configuration is lifted off the transport vehicle into a vertical orientation by a crane and the cables, ropes, straps, supports, and/or frames removed from the ends of the segments. As the tower segments are held vertically, gravitational forces do not cause the hinges to open and the tower segments may be unfolded in a controlled way by adjusting the positioning of cranes holding each segment in position. In alternative embodiments, the tower sections may be unfolded using any suitable method, such as those described above, and including the use of lifting brackets, cables, and telescopic supporting arms having an actuator or drive mechanism. In the latter case, an example of such a tool is described with reference to the embodiments of  FIGS. 15 to 17 . 
         [0091]    As will be apparent to the person skilled in the art, other configurations of the segments are equally possible whilst still allowing them to collapse into a compact state. For example, the hinges  28  may be positioned between the long segment  206  and medium segment  204 , and also between the medium segment  204  and short segment  202 . This allows the compact structure depicted in  FIG. 14  to be realised. 
         [0092]    Certain tower sections, particularly those towards the bottom of the tower where the cross section of the tower is larger, may be cut into more than three segments. In these embodiments, hinges can be attached between all but one of the joins between adjacent segments in order to allow a spiral-shaped folded configuration to result. Other folded configurations are also possible. 
         [0093]    When a section of tower has been reconstructed by joining its constituent segments together, cranes may be used to lift the tower sections onto transporters to the installation area, where further cranes assemble the tower sections into a complete wind turbine tower. 
         [0094]    A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 17 . In  FIG. 15 , a pair of segments  30   a  and  30   b  are shown as being lifted from the trailer  82  of a truck  84  by at least two cranes  34 . Such a process happens at a wind turbine construction site for example, where hinged pairs of segments are unloaded by crane to form part of a wind turbine tower. One crane is provided at each end of the segments  30   a  and  30   b . During lifting, the segments are secured together by connecting both vertical edges together by means of hinges  28 , and/or by providing inter-segment support members  27  as explained above. Intra-segment support members  26  may also be used. Cranes  34  lift the pair of segments  30   a  and  30   b  and rotate them into a fully vertical configuration. 
         [0095]      FIG. 16  shows the vertical arrangement of segments  30   a  and  30   b . When vertically oriented it is necessary only to provide support from a single crane  34  connected to the top of the segments. The left hand side of  FIG. 16  shows a side elevation view of the crane with the segments  30   a  and  30   b  suspended. The right hand side of  FIG. 16  shows an enlarged view of the bottom of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  seen in a longitudinal view along the tower segments, looking in a direction that extends vertically upwards towards crane  34 . The hinges  28  on the right-hand side of the view are secured, thereby connecting the segments  30   a  and  30   b  together. The hinges  28  on the left-hand side of the view are not connected to one another, thereby allowing the segments to rotate with respect to each other about an axis defined by the right-hand hinges and form an open configuration. 
         [0096]    The rotation and opening of the segments may be achieved with an opening tool  50 . Tool  50  comprises a hydraulic cylinder  52  which is joined via rigid connecting pieces  51   a  and  51   b  to the horizontal flanges  17  of segments  30   a  and  30   b  respectively. Connecting pieces  51   a  and  51   b  are joined to the horizontal flanges  17  by a rotatable bolt for example, to allow them to remain fixed to the horizontal flanges  17  throughout the opening process as the angle between the connecting pieces  51   a ,  51   b  and the horizontal flanges  17  changes. They are also rotatably connected to the hydraulic cylinder  52 . 
         [0097]    When operated, the hydraulic cylinder  52  forces piston rod  53  away from the cylinder  52  in the direction shown by arrow  54 . The opposite end of piston rod  53  to that housed within the cylinder  52  is connected via a hinged joint  55  to two arms  56   a  and  56   b . Arm  56   a  extends from the hinged joint  55  and is releasably secured to the horizontal flange  17  of segment  30   a  by a rotatable bolted joint, and arm  56   b  similarly extends from the hinged joint  55  to the horizontal flange  17  of segment  30   b  where it is again releasably secured by a rotatable bolted joint. An angle θ is defined between the two arms  56   a  and  56   b  as shown in  FIG. 16 . The piston rod  53  is positioned substantially centrally with respect to the two arms  56   a  and  56   b , such that the obtuse angle between piston rod  53  and each of the arms  56   a ,  56   b  is close to 180°−θ/2. 
         [0098]    When piston rod  53  is moved in the direction of arrow  54  the arms  56   a  and  56   b  open, thereby increasing the angle θ and forcing the open ends of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  to move in the direction of arrow  57   a  and  57   b  respectively. By extending piston arm  53  the tower segments  30   a  and  30   b  can therefore be opened. Other types of piston drive can be used, for example pneumatically or mechanically driven pistons. More than one opening tool  50  can be provided at different locations along the length of the segments, for example one opening tool  50  can be provided at each end, or opening tools  50  can be provided at an intermediate location along the length of the segments, in which case they can attach to the tower shell and/or vertical flanges rather than the horizontal flanges  17 . The use of opening tool  50  in opening out the segments  30   a  and  30   b  occurs whilst the segments are held suspended by crane  34 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 17  shows a view looking down along the longitudinal direction of the tower segments  30   a  and  30   b , after the segments have been fully opened and crane  34  has lowered them onto ground foundations  29 . Opening tool(s)  50  have been removed. Crane  34  is connected to the upper horizontal flanges  17  of both segments  30   a  and  30   b  by means of mounting members  35   a  and  35   b . The mounting members  35   a ,  35   b  are releasably connected, for example by bolting, to the horizontal flanges  17 . 
         [0100]    The foundations  29  provide a surface, for example of concrete, upon which the wind turbine tower is constructed. The horizontal flanges at the bottom of the segments are bolted to the concrete foundations. The vertical flanges of the segments  30   a  and  30   b  which are connected by hinges  28  are fully secured together by bolting the adjacent vertical flanges together. Further segments are also lifted into position by crane, and bolted to the vertical flanges  18  shown in  FIG. 17  in order to make a complete tower section. Once a complete tower section is constructed on the foundations  29 , further segments are lowered onto the upper horizontal flanges  17  and bolted to them. This process continues until the tower is completed. The gaps between adjacent tower segments and sections, after they have been securely bolted together, can be sealed by applying a sealing tape to the tower surface. 
         [0101]    Alternatively, segments of a wind turbine tower may be positioned with their vertical flanges adjacent one another and the segments secured together by bolting the vertical flanges together close to ground level on an assembly platform. Once a complete section has been assembled on the platform, a crane is used to lift the section into position in the wind turbine tower by placing it on top of a lower section and bolting the horizontal flanges. 
         [0102]    It should be noted that the lifting equipment, for example cranes and their associated attachments, and the transportation vehicles described herein need not necessarily all be of the same type. The person skilled in the art will be capable of making a suitable choice of lifting equipment and transportation vehicles for each of the stages of the hinged tower segment transport and storage method described above. 
         [0103]    Further, various modifications to the example embodiments described above are possible and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the embodiments are purely for illustration and where appropriate the features of one embodiment may be used with another. 
         [0104]    In particular, embodiments of the invention may be provided in accordance with the following supplemental notes: 
         [0105]    (1) In a first aspect, a method of handling wind turbine tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) for a wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ), which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another, a vertical section of the tower having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments having vertical ( 16 ) and horizontal ( 12 ) edges and combining to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges, wherein adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments, the method comprising: a) attaching at least one hinge ( 28 ) to a first and/or a second segment at the vertical edge of the segments; b) loading the first and second segments onto a support structure ( 36 ); c) wherein the first and second segments are coupled to one another by the at least one hinge at at least one vertical edge. 
         [0106]    (2) The method of supplemental note 1, wherein the at least one hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a vertical flange ( 18 ) attached to the at least one vertical edge ( 16 ) of a segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), or to steel sheeting of the tower located between vertical flanges attached to two adjacent vertical edges. 
         [0107]    (3). The method of supplemental note 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hinge ( 28 ) is attached after both the first and second segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) have been loaded onto the support structure ( 36 ). 
         [0108]    (4). The method of supplemental note 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hinge ( 28 ) is attached before a production stage in which the vertical edges ( 16 ) are cut. 
         [0109]    (5). The method of supplemental note 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hinge ( 28 ) is attached after the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) has been loaded onto the support structure ( 36 ), but before the second segment has been loaded onto the support structure. 
         [0110]    (6). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 5, comprising positioning second respective vertical edges ( 16 ) of the first and second segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) longitudinally adjacent one another; and
       additionally coupling the first and second segments together at the second vertical edge using a second hinge ( 28 ).       
 
         [0112]    (7). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 5, further comprising:
       loading a third segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and positioning the third segment such that one of its vertical edges ( 16 ) is adjacent a vertical edge of the second segment that is the not adjacent the first segment;   coupling the second and third segments together by securing the hinges ( 28 ).       
 
         [0115]    (8). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 7, further comprising the step of:
       loading the first and second segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) onto a transport vehicle ( 82 ;  84 ).       
 
         [0117]    (9). The method of supplemental note 7, wherein the angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) subtended by each of the first, second, and third segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) is different. 
         [0118]    (10). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 9, wherein the loading steps are carried out by a rotatable lifting tool ( 40 ) secured to a lifting device ( 34 ). 
         [0119]    (11). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 10, further comprising on each segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) to be loaded:
       mounting a first bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) on the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), mounting a second bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, and attaching a lifting cable ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) to the brackets.       
 
         [0121]    (12). The method of supplemental note 11, wherein at least one of the brackets ( 33   a ;  33   b ) is positioned adjacent a vertical edge ( 16 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0122]    (13). The method of supplemental note 11 or 12, further comprising on each segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) to be loaded:
       mounting at least one further bracket ( 33   a ,  33   b ) on the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, and   mounting at least one further bracket on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, the brackets capable of coupling to a lifting device ( 34 ) to lift the segment.       
 
         [0125]    (14). The method of supplemental note 7, further comprising coupling the third segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) to the first segment by means of hinges ( 28 ) positioned at the vertical edge ( 16 ) of the first segment opposite that vertical edge which is adjacent the second segment. 
         [0126]    (15). The method of supplemental note 14, wherein the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) subtends an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of both the second and third segments. 
         [0127]    (16). The method of supplemental note 14, wherein the first segment subtends ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of the second segment, but less than that of the third segment. 
         [0128]    (17). The method of any one supplemental notes 1 to 16, further comprising securing a rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to at least one of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), each end being secured to a separate location on the segment. 
         [0129]    (18). The method of supplemental note 17, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment. 
         [0130]    (19). The method of supplemental note 18, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and further comprising securing a further intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, each end being secured to a separate location on the upper horizontal flange. 
         [0131]    (20). The method of any one of supplemental notes 1 to 19, further comprising securing the first end of a rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to a first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) and securing the second end of the rigid inter-segment support member to a second segment. 
         [0132]    (21). The method of supplemental note 20, wherein each end of the inter-segment support member ( 27 ) is attached to a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0133]    (22). The method of supplemental note 21, further comprising securing the first end of a further rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to the horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and securing the second end of the further rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to the horizontal flange of the second segment. 
         [0134]    (23). The method of any one of supplemental notes 2 to 22, wherein the hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a side of the vertical flange ( 18 ) adjacent the vertical edge ( 16 ) at which the vertical flange is located. 
         [0135]    (24). The method of supplemental note 2 to 22, wherein the hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a side of the vertical flange ( 18 ) opposite the vertical edge ( 16 ) at which the vertical flange is located. 
         [0136]    (25). In a second aspect, a method of assembling a plurality of wind turbine tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) for a wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ), which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another, a vertical section of the tower having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments having vertical ( 16 ) and horizontal ( 12 ) edges and combining to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges, wherein adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments, and wherein at least a first segment and a second segment of a plurality of the wind turbine tower segments are coupled together by means of at least one hinge ( 28 ) located at respective adjacent vertical edges of the first and second segments, and wherein the at least one hinge is at least partially closed, the method comprising:
       a) receiving the plurality of the tower segments;   b) positioning first and second segments from the plurality of tower segments onto a support bed ( 20 );   c) securing a lifting device ( 34 ) to the second segment and lifting the second segment such that the hinge connecting the first and second segments opens;   d) securing the hinged join between the first and second segments to prevent the first and second segments from moving relative to each other;   e) rotating the combined first and second segment assembly to a new equilibrium position;   f) positioning one or more subsequent segments with respect to the combined first and second segment assembly and securing them to it to form a complete tower section.       
 
         [0143]    (26). The method of supplemental note 25, wherein the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) comprise vertical flanges ( 18 ) attached to the vertical edges ( 16 ) of the segments. 
         [0144]    (27). The method of supplemental note 25 or 26, wherein a securing bracket ( 33   b ) mounted to both the first and second segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) is used to secure the hinged join in step d). 
         [0145]    (28). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 27, wherein a rigid support member ( 138 ) is inserted between the edges of the first and second segments opposite the edges which are hinged together, in order to secure the hinged join in step d). 
         [0146]    (29). The method of supplemental note 28, wherein the rigid support member ( 138 ) comprises a telescopic supporting arm that can be extended and locked into position, and which can be collapsed when not in used. 
         [0147]    (30). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 29, wherein in step e), in the new equilibrium position, the opening is upwards opposite the join between the first and second segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0148]    (31). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 30, wherein the support bed ( 20 ) comprises at least two parallel beams, and wherein from its initial position in step c) to its new equilibrium position in step e) the combined first and second segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) assembly rolls along the least two parallel beams. 
         [0149]    (32). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 31, wherein the support bed ( 20 ) comprises one or more sets of rollers ( 22 ), and wherein from its initial position in step c) to its new equilibrium position in step e) the combined first and second segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) assembly makes contact with one or more sets of rollers as it rotates. 
         [0150]    (33). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 32, wherein the lifting steps are carried out with a rotatable lifting tool ( 40 ) secured to a lifting device ( 34 ). 
         [0151]    (34). The method of supplemental note 26, or any one of supplemental notes 27 to 33 when dependent on supplemental note 26, further comprising coupling the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) together along respective vertical flanges ( 18 ). 
         [0152]    (35). The method of supplemental note 34, wherein coupling between the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) is performed by connecting bolts through opposing vertical flanges ( 18 ). 
         [0153]    (36). The method of supplemental note 35, further comprising:
       after joining the final segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) to form the completed vertical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ), inserting a bolt into each bolt hole in the vertical flanges ( 18 ), and fully tightening the bolts.       
 
         [0155]    (37). The method of any one supplemental notes 25 to 36, wherein the one or more subsequent segments of step f) is a third segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) coupled to the first segment by means of at least one hinge ( 28 ) positioned at the vertical edge ( 16 ) of the first segment opposite that vertical edge which is adjacent the second segment, and the positioning in step f) comprises opening the hinge between the first and third segments. 
         [0156]    (38). The method of supplemental note 37, wherein the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) subtends an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of both the second and third segments. 
         [0157]    (39). The method of supplemental note 38, wherein the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) subtends an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of the second segment, but less than that of the third segment. 
         [0158]    (40). The method of any one supplemental notes 25 to 39, further comprising securing a rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to at least one of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), each end being secured to a separate location on the segment. 
         [0159]    (41). The method of supplemental note 40, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0160]    (42). The method of supplemental note 41, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and further comprising securing a further intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, each end being secured to a separate location on the upper horizontal flange. 
         [0161]    (43). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 42, further comprising securing the first end of a rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to a first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) and securing the second end of the rigid inter-segment support member to a second segment. 
         [0162]    (44). The method of supplemental note 43, wherein each end of the inter-segment support member ( 27 ) is attached to a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0163]    (45). The method of supplemental note 44, further comprising securing the first end of a further rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to the horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and securing the second end of the further rigid inter-segment support member to the horizontal flange of the second segment. 
         [0164]    (46). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 45 wherein the hinges ( 28 ) are releasable from the vertical edges ( 16 ) and can be removed once the wind turbine tower is constructed. 
         [0165]    (47). The method of any one of supplemental notes 25 to 46 wherein the hinges ( 28 ) are continuous and extend along substantially the whole length of the vertical edges ( 16 ). 
         [0166]    (48). In a third aspect, a method of assembling a plurality of wind turbine tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) for a wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ), which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another, a vertical section of the tower having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments having vertical ( 16 ) and horizontal ( 12 ) edges and combining to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges, wherein adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments, and wherein a first segment and a second segment of a plurality of the wind turbine tower segments are coupled together at first respective vertical edges of the first and second segments by means of at least a first hinge ( 28 ) located at the vertical edges; the method comprising:
       coupling a crane ( 34 ) to the second segment by engaging a cable or chain ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) of the crane with at least one bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) mounted on the second segment;   rotating the second segment with respect to the first segment by adjusting the tension in the cable or chain of the crane;   securing the first segment with respect to the second segment to prevent the segments moving relative to one another about the hinged edge.       
 
         [0170]    (49). The method of supplemental note 48, further comprising:
       receiving a third segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) and a fourth segment of a plurality of the wind turbine tower segments, the third and fourth segments being coupled together at least first respective vertical edges ( 16 ) of each of the third and fourth segments by means of hinges ( 28 ) located at the vertical edges;   coupling one or more cranes ( 34 ) to both the third and fourth segments by engaging one rope or chain ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) of the crane with at least one bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) mounted on the third segment, and by engaging another rope or chain of the crane with at least one bracket mounted on the fourth segment;   lifting the third and fourth segments;   adjusting the tension in the two ropes or chains to allow the third and fourth segments to rotate relative to one another about the at least one hinged vertical edge;   securing the third segment with respect to the fourth segment to prevent the segments moving relative to one another about the hinged edge; and   coupling the third and fourth segments to the first and second segments to form a complete tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ).       
 
         [0177]    (50). The method of supplemental note 49, further comprising:
       before the lifting step, coupling a third rope or chain ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) of the crane ( 34 ) to a further bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) located at a vertical edge of either the third or fourth segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 );   in the removing step, decoupling the pair of edges between the third and fourth segments which are opposed to the vertical edge at which the further bracket is located;   adjusting the tension in the third rope or chain to allow the third and fourth segments to rotate relative to one another about the remaining hinged vertical edge.       
 
         [0181]    (51). In a fourth aspect, a method of assembling a plurality of wind turbine tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) for a wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ), which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another, a vertical section of the tower having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments having vertical ( 16 ) and horizontal ( 12 ) edges and combining to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges, wherein adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments, and wherein a first segment and a second segment of a plurality of the wind turbine tower segments are coupled together at first respective vertical edges of the first and second segments by means of at least a first hinge ( 28 ) located at the vertical edges; the method comprising:
       coupling a crane ( 34 ) to the first and second segments by engaging control cables or chains ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) of the crane with at least one bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) mounted on the first and second segments;   coupling a bearing cable or chain ( 110 ;  111   a ;  111   b ) of the crane to a further bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) located at a vertical edge of either the first or second segment;   rotating the second segment with respect to the first segment by adjusting the tension in the control cables or chain of the crane;   securing the first segment with respect to the second segment to prevent the segments moving relative to one another about the hinged edge.       
 
         [0186]    (52). The method of any one supplemental notes 48 to 51, further comprising securing a rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to at least one of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), each end being secured to a separate location on the segment. 
         [0187]    (53). The method of supplemental note 52, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0188]    (54). The method of supplemental note 53, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and further comprising securing a further intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends to the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment, each end being secured to a separate location on the upper horizontal flange. 
         [0189]    (55). The method of any one of supplemental notes 48 to 54, further comprising securing the first end of a rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to a first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) and securing the second end of the rigid inter-segment support member to a second segment. 
         [0190]    (56). The method of supplemental note 55, wherein each end of the inter-segment support member ( 27 ) is attached to a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0191]    (57). The method of supplemental note 56, further comprising securing the first end of a further rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) to the horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and securing the second end of the further rigid inter-segment support member to the horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the second segment. 
         [0192]    (58). The method of any one of supplemental notes 48 to 57, wherein the hinges ( 28 ) are releasable from the vertical edges ( 16 ) and can be removed once the wind turbine tower is constructed. 
         [0193]    (59). The method of any one of supplemental notes 48 to 58, wherein the hinges ( 28 ) are continuous and extend along substantially the whole length of the vertical edges ( 16 ). 
         [0194]    (60). In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a steel wind turbine tower segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) for a steel wind turbine tower,
       the wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ), which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another, a vertical section of the tower having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments having vertical ( 16 ) and horizontal ( 12 ) edges and combining to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges, wherein adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments,   wherein the steel wind turbine tower segment comprises:   a sheet having a first and second pair of opposing edges, the first pair of opposing edges forming the vertical edges of the tower segment and the second pair of opposing edges forming the horizontal edges;   flanges coupled to the second pair of opposing edges to form upper and lower horizontal flanges ( 17 );   and wherein at least one hinge ( 28 ) is attached to the wind turbine tower segment at a vertical edge of the segment for joining to a second wind turbine tower segment and preserving the longitudinal alignment between the segments during handling, transport or installation.       
 
         [0200]    (61). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 60, wherein vertical flanges ( 18 ) are attached to the vertical edges of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0201]    (62). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 61, wherein the at least one hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a vertical flange ( 18 ) of the wind turbine tower segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0202]    (63). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 61 or 62, wherein the hinge ( 28 ) is connected to the steel sheet between the vertical flange ( 18 ) and the vertical edge ( 16 ) at which the vertical flange is located. 
         [0203]    (64). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 61 or 62, wherein the hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a side of the vertical flange ( 18 ) adjacent the vertical edge ( 16 ) at which the vertical flange is located. 
         [0204]    (65). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 61 or 62, wherein the hinge ( 28 ) is connected to a side of the vertical flange ( 18 ) opposite the vertical edge ( 16 ) at which the vertical flange is located. 
         [0205]    (66). The wind turbine tower segment of any of supplemental notes 60 to 65, comprising a first bracket ( 33   a ) mounted on the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) and a second bracket ( 33   a ) mounted on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ), the brackets coupling to a lifting device ( 34 ) to lift the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0206]    (67). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 66, comprising at least one further bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) mounted on the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ), and at least one further bracket ( 33   a ;  33   b ) mounted on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ), the brackets coupling to a lifting device to lift the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0207]    (68). The wind turbine tower segment of any of supplemental notes 60 to 67, wherein the sheet has a curved profile and forms a partial longitudinal surface of the vertical tower section ( 14   a ,  14   b ). 
         [0208]    (69). The wind turbine tower segment of any of supplemental notes 60 to 68, wherein a rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends is secured to the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), each end being secured to a separate location on the segment. 
         [0209]    (70). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 69, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0210]    (71). The wind turbine tower segment of supplemental note 70, wherein each end of the rigid intra-segment support member ( 26 ) is secured to a separate location on the lower horizontal flange ( 17 ), and wherein a further intra-segment support member ( 26 ) comprising two ends is secured to the upper horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), each end being secured to a separate location on the upper horizontal flange. 
         [0211]    (72). A vertical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) of a wind turbine tower, comprising at least first and second wind turbine tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) as defined in supplemental notes 60 to 71, wherein the first and second segments are connected at their vertical edge ( 16 ) by a first hinge ( 28 ). 
         [0212]    (73). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 72, comprising a third wind turbine tower segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) connected at its vertical edge ( 16 ) to one of the first or second segments by a second hinge. 
         [0213]    (74). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 72 or 73, wherein the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) are identical in shape to one another. 
         [0214]    (75). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 72 or 73, wherein the tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) in the tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) are similar in shape, differing only in the angular extent of the cylindrical tower section subtended by each segment. 
         [0215]    (76). The vertical tower section of any one of supplemental notes 72 to 75, wherein the vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ) are comprised of three or four equally shaped segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0216]    (77). The vertical tower section of any one of supplemental notes 72 to 76, wherein the cylindrical vertical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) has a circular cross-section. 
         [0217]    (78). The vertical tower section of any one of supplemental notes 72 to 76, wherein the cylindrical vertical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) has a polygonal cross-section, and the vertical edges ( 16 ) between the tower segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) are positioned on the straight edges of the polygon, intermediate the vertices of the polygon. 
         [0218]    (79). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 73, comprising only three segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), the first segment being connected by means of at least the first hinge ( 28 ) located at its first vertical edge ( 16 ) to the second segment, and the first segment being connected by means of at least the second hinge located at its second vertical edge to the third segment. 
         [0219]    (80). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 79, wherein the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) subtends an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of both the second and third segments. 
         [0220]    (81). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 79, wherein the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) subtends an angular extent of the cylindrical tower section ( 14   a ;  14   b ) that is greater than that of the second segment, but less than that of the third segment. 
         [0221]    (82). The vertical tower section of any one of supplemental notes 72 to 81, wherein a rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) comprising two ends is secured at a first end to the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ) and at a second end to the second segment. 
         [0222]    (83). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 82, wherein each end of the inter-segment support member ( 27 ) is attached to a horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the segments ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ). 
         [0223]    (84). The vertical tower section of supplemental note 83, wherein a further rigid inter-segment support member ( 27 ) is secured at a first end to the horizontal flange ( 17 ) of the first segment ( 30   a ;  30   b ;  30   c ;  202 ;  204 ;  206 ), and at a second end to the horizontal flange of the second segment. 
         [0224]    (85). A wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of the vertical tower sections ( 14   a ;  14   b ) defined in any one of supplemental notes 72 to 84.