Floating wind turbine foundation

Abstract

A floating base (100) for a wind turbine generator includes a central column structure (10, 11, 12); three outer column members (20, 21, 22), each being a polygonal prism with rectangular sidewall panels (22x); three horizontal pontoon members (30, 31, 32); and three horizontal beam members (40, 41, 42), which are fixed to the central column structure (10, 11, 12) and the outer column members (20, 21, 22). Between 1, 22), each pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and each beam member (40, 41, 42) is a box beam with four flat panels; and an inner corner support (70), each inner corner support (70) comprising a rectangular plate (71) which is fixed to the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) of the outer column member (20, 21, 22) and fixed to the pontoon or beam member (30, 31, 32; 40, 41, 42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to floating wind turbine bases, including but not limited to floating bases for wind turbine generators, methods for constructing floating bases, methods for designing floating bases, and methods for generating electricity. Background Technology

[0002] Various research and development (R&D) groups within academia and industry are researching and developing floating wind turbine systems, which offer a promising option for offshore power generation. Floating wind turbine systems rely on a moored, floating substructure base to which the wind turbine is mounted. Publications that may be used to understand this disclosure include: US 2022 / 0348288 A1; FR 3 109 924 A1; WO 2009 / 131826 A2; WO 2021 / 148156 A1; WO 2013 / 110276 A1; WO 2020 / 167137 A1; EP 4 155 538 A1; WO 2023 / 014230 A1; and WO 2023 / 009010 A1.

[0003] Compared to bottom-fixed systems, this type of floating wind turbine system is currently not cost-competitive in many situations and lacks widespread commercial application. However, further development of floating offshore wind power technology is expected to make this system more competitive and a viable alternative in many sites in the near future. The system is particularly suitable for offshore locations in deeper waters (typically exceeding 50-70 meters), where bottom-fixed installations may not be feasible.

[0004] With the continued growth in demand for renewable electricity generation in the future, there is a need to further improve the technology in this field. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide such improvements to the prior art, or to provide at least a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the example, a floating base for a wind turbine as described in appended claim 1 is provided.

[0006] Further aspects of the invention and embodiments are outlined in the following detailed description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the above and other features will become clear from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the floating base based on the example.

[0009] Figures 2-8Details of the floating base are shown based on various examples.

[0010] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The floating base and various aspects of its construction are shown.

[0011] Figure 11 Details of a floating base based on an example are shown.

[0012] Figures 12-15 A floating base according to an example is shown, including a cable conduit for cables.

[0013] Figures 16-19 A floating base, including a reinforcing truss, is shown according to other examples.

[0014] Figures 20-27 A floating base, including reinforcing members, is shown according to other examples.

[0015] Figure 28 A floating base according to another example is shown, including a reinforcing truss and a central column supporting the hoop.

[0016] Figure 29 and Figure 30 A floating base, including quadrilateral column members, is shown according to another example.

[0017] Figure 31 A floating base based on an example is shown, including a polygonal central column.

[0018] Figure 32 and Figure 33 A floating base, including downwardly tilting beam members, is shown according to other examples.

[0019] Figures 34-36 A portion of the floating base with an inner corner support is shown.

[0020] Figures 37-41 A floating base, based on other examples, is shown, in which the lower support structure extends from multiple frames. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1 A floating (i.e., capable of floating or buoyancy) base 100 for a wind turbine generator is shown. The base 100 provides a base for a wind turbine generator tower 16 on which a wind turbine generator (not shown) can be mounted.

[0022] Figures 2-8Details of a base 100 according to various examples are shown. The base includes a tubular central column 10 having an upper support structure 11 arranged around and fixed to the tubular central column 10.

[0023] The lower support structure 12 is further fixed to the tubular central column 10 and is vertically spaced from the upper support structure 11.

[0024] Three external column members 20, 21, and 22 are arranged around the tubular central column 10 and are fixed to the tubular central column 10 by means of three horizontally extending pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 and three horizontally extending beam members 40, 41, and 42.

[0025] Each horizontally extending pontoon member 30, 31, 32 is fixed between and extends between the lower support structure 12 and a corresponding one of the three outer column members 20, 21, 22, and each horizontally extending beam member 40, 41, 42 is fixed between and extends between the upper support structure 11 and a corresponding one of the three outer column members 20, 21, 22.

[0026] The tubular central column 10 extends through the upper support structure 11. Figure 6 Details of the connection between the upper support structure 11, the central column 10 and the upper support structure 11 are shown, as well as details of the connection with the beam members 40, 41, 42.

[0027] The upper support structure 11 consists of a plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels 11a-f surrounding the tubular central column 10. The vertically arranged interconnected flat panels 11a-f form a polygonal (hexagonal in this example) enclosure around the tubular central column 10. A plurality of vertically arranged support plates 11g-l extend radially outward between the tubular central column 10 and the interconnected flat panels 11a-f. Advantageously, each of the support plates 11g-l is fixed at the connection between two interconnected flat panels 11a-f (i.e., at the vertex of the polygonal structure formed by the flat panels 11a-f). Alternatively or additionally, the support plates 11g-l can be arranged at any location on the flat panels 11a-f.

[0028] The upper support structure 11 further includes a top plate 11m (see...) Figure 3 and Figure 9 The top plate is arranged around and fixed to the tubular central post 10, and is also fixed to the upper edge of the flat panels 11a-f. Similarly, the bottom plate 11n (see...) Figure 4 and Figure 9The support plates 11g-l are arranged around the tubular central column 10 and fixed to the tubular central column, and are also fixed to the lower edge of the flat panels 11a-f. The support plates 11g-l can also be fixed to the top and / or bottom plates 11m, 11n.

[0029] Each beam member 40, 41, 42 is fixed to a corresponding flat panel 11b, 11d, 11f of the upper support structure 11. The flat panels 11a, 11c, 11e form the adjacent surfaces between the paired beam members 40, 41, 42.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, each of beam members 40, 41, and 42 is a box beam composed of four outer flat panels that define a top wall 42a, a bottom wall 42b, and a pair of side walls 42c and 42d. Beam members 40, 41, and 42 may have internal strengthening features, such as... Figures 6-8 The features shown.

[0031] In one example, beam members 40, 41, 42 include at least one internal corner plate 49 fixed between the side walls 42c, d and the top or bottom walls 42a, 42b of beam members 40, 41, 42. The corner plates 49 may be arranged at each internal corner of beam members 40, 41, 42, such that each beam member 40, 41, 42 has four internal corner plates 49. The superstructure 11 may further include at least one corner plate 48 arranged between the top and / or bottom plates 11n, 11m of the superstructure 11 and the corresponding flat panels 11a, 11c, 11e located between beam members 40, 41, 42 (i.e., those flat panels 11a, 11c, 11e adjacent to the flat panels 11b, 11d, 11f to which beam members 40, 41, 42 are fixed). In this way, corner plates 48 and 49 can provide advantageous structural features at the upper support structure 11 and beam members 40, 41 and 42, as well as at the connections between them.

[0032] The lower support structure 12 can be arranged around the tubular central column 10 and fixed to the tubular central column. For example... Figure 6 As shown, except that the tubular central column 10 does not necessarily need to extend through the lower support structure 12 and be located below the lower support structure, the lower support structure can be constructed similarly to the upper support structure 11. The tubular central column 10 can terminate inside the lower support structure 12, for example, the lower end of the tubular central column 10 is fixed to the bottom plate 12b of the lower support structure 12 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 9The upward-facing surface of the tubular central column 10. Alternatively, the tubular central column 10 may be positioned inside the lower support structure 12 adjacent to the bottom plate 12b and otherwise secured inside the lower support structure 12, such as via a plurality of vertically arranged support plates extending radially outward between the tubular central column 10 and the interconnected flat panels forming part of the lower support structure 12, similar to Figure 6 The upper support structure 11 shown is shown.

[0033] For example in Figures 2-4 As can be seen, each pontoon component 30, 31, 32 is fixed to a corresponding flat panel of the lower support structure 12 and extends outward to the column components 20, 21, 22. This configuration is equivalent to the configuration of the beam components 40, 41, 42 and the upper support structure 11 as described above.

[0034] Similar to beam members 40, 41, and 42, pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 can be constructed from box beams with four outer flat panels defining a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. Similarly, pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 and the lower support structure 12 can include one or more corner plates 48, 49, equivalent to the above description of beam members 40, 41, and 42 and the upper support structure 11. In some examples, beam members 40, 41, and 42 and pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 can be identical in design, or they can differ only in size. For example, beam members 40, 41, and 42 and pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 can have the same widths b1 and b2 (see...). Figure 3 ), and differ only in heights h1 and h2 (see Figure 5 ), or they can have the same width (such that b1=b2) and the same height (such that h1=h2).

[0035] Advantageously, the widths b4 and b5 of the interconnected flat panels 11a-f that form part of the upper and lower support structures 11, 12 (see...) Figure 3 The widths b1 and b2 of the beam members 40, 41, 42 and the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 are the same.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 An example of a method for constructing a floating base 100 is shown.

[0037] The base 100 can be constructed by manufacturing a first tower support portion 13a having a first central column portion 10a and an upper support structure 11 as described above, the upper support structure being arranged around and fixed to the first central column portion 10a. The first central column portion 10a may include a flange 15 located above the upper support structure 11, the flange 15 being configured for connection to the wind turbine generator tower 16 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0038] The system includes a second tower support portion 13b, comprising a second tubular central column portion 10b. The second tower support portion 13b may be a generally tubular portion.

[0039] Manufacture a third tower support portion 13c, wherein the third tower support portion 13c includes the lower support structure 12 as described above.

[0040] After manufacturing the tower support portions 13a-c, the first central column portion 10a is fixed to the second central column portion 10b, and the second central column portion 10b is fixed to the third tower support portion 13c to form the tower support portion of the base 100, i.e., for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The intermediate structure of the floating body is shown. When fixed together, the first and second central support sections 10a and 10b form a tubular central column 10.

[0041] Then, three external column members 20, 21, and 22 are arranged around the tubular central column 10, and three pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 and three beam members 40, 41, and 42 are fixed between the lower and upper support structures 11 and 12 and the corresponding column members 20, 21, and 22.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown, the third tower support portion 13c can be manufactured with a third central column portion 10c and a lower support structure 12 fixed to the third central column portion 10c, for example, as described above regarding... Figure 6 The method of description. The step of fixing the second center column portion 10b to the third tower support portion 13c may then include fixing the second center column portion 10b to the third center column portion 10c. In this case, the third center column portion 10c may form part of the tubular center column 10.

[0043] Optionally, such as Figure 10As shown, fixing the second central column portion 10b to the third tower support portion 13c may include fixing the lower end portion 10b' of the second central column portion 10b to the top plate 12a of the lower support structure 12. In this case, the internal structure of the lower support structure 12 may differ from the structure described above. For example, the lower support structure 12 may be integrally manufactured with the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32.

[0044] The tubular central column 10 can be a closed columnar structure within the submerged portion of the tubular central column 10, or the tubular central column 10 can be separated from the surrounding seawater. The tubular central column 10 can, for example, have only a single opening located at its top end (flange 15), and otherwise be a closed columnar column. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom plate 12b of the lower support structure 12 (see...) Figure 4 This can separate the interior of the tubular central column 10 from the surrounding seawater. In some examples, the bottom plate 12b is the bottom plate of the lower support structure 12 and also the lower plate of the tubular central column 10, for example, if the tubular central column 10 is fixed to the upward-facing surface of the bottom plate 12b in a fluid-tight manner.

[0045] In one example, the bottom plate 12b of the lower support structure 12, and the bottom plates 30b, 31b, and 32b of the three horizontally extending pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 (see...) Figure 4 The base 100 is defined by the bottom plates 20b and 22b of the three outer column members 20, 21, and 22. Advantageously, there are no openings on the uninterrupted flat bottom surface of the base 100.

[0046] The outer column members 20, 21, and 22 can be in the form of polygonal prisms comprising multiple rectangular sidewall panels. Specifically, each of the three outer column members 20, 21, and 22 can be a right prism and / or have a uniform cross-section in the horizontal plane. In this way, the cross-sectional shape (and therefore the width and distance from the tubular central column 10) at the joints of the beam members 40, 41, and 42 and at the joints of the pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 is identical. Each outer column member 20, 21, and 22 includes a rectangular sidewall panel, to which a pontoon member 30, 31, and 32 and a beam member 40, 41, and 42 are fixed, vertically spaced apart from each other. Figure 3 (represented as rectangular sidewall panel 22x). For this purpose, a rectangular sidewall panel may be specially prepared for each of the column members 20, 21, 22, to which the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and beam members 40, 41, 42 are fixed, for example by means of additional internal reinforcing members, connection profiles prepared on the sidewall panel, or other features that enable such fixing.

[0047] Advantageously, the dimensions of each component can be designed to provide manufacturing advantages. For example, the width b3 of a rectangular sidewall panel to which the pontoon components 30, 31, 32 and the beam components 40, 41, 42 are fixed can be equal to the width b2 of the corresponding pontoon components 30, 31, 32 and the width b1 of the corresponding beam components 40, 41, 42. Figure 3 The width b3 at adjacent rectangular sidewall panels is shown, but it should be understood that when the horizontal cross-sectional shape is a regular polygon, the rectangular sidewall panels 22x to which the beam member 42 and the pontoon member 32 are fixed have the same width b3.

[0048] The width b2 of the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32 can be further equal to the width b5 of a corresponding flat panel of the lower support structure 12 to which the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32 are fixed, and the width b1 of each beam component 40, 41, and 42 is equal to the width b4 of a corresponding flat panel of the upper support structure 11 to which the beam components 40, 41, and 42 are fixed. Figure 3 The widths b4 and b5 at adjacent flat panels of the upper and lower support structures 11, 12 are shown, but it should be understood that when the horizontal cross-sectional shape is a regular polygon, the flat panels to which the beam members 40, 41, 42 and the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 are fixed have the same widths b4 and b5.

[0049] Particularly advantageously, the width can be set to b1=b2=b3=b4=b5. In this way, considerable manufacturing advantages (e.g., robotic and automation advantages) can be achieved, because the same plate dimensions can form the foundation for many parts of the base 100. This facilitates an efficient supply chain, manufacturing, and construction.

[0050] Similarly, this height can be adjusted accordingly so that the height of the upper support structure 11, defined by the heights of the multiple vertically arranged interconnected flat panels 11a-f, is equal to the height h1 of the beam members 40, 41, 42 (see...). Figure 5 Similarly, the height of the lower support structure 12, defined by the height of a plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels forming part of the lower support structure 12, can be equal to the height h2 of the pontoon members 30, 31, and 32. Heights h1 and h2 can be the same, or the heights of the beam members 40, 41, and 42 and the upper support structure 11 can be less than the heights of the pontoon members 30, 31, and 32 and the lower support structure 12.

[0051] In an advantageous example, column members 20, 21, 22, upper support structure 11, and lower support structure 12 have the same polygonal cross-sectional profile in the horizontal plane. This can include having the same dimensions in the horizontal profile, i.e., the same polygonal side length. These parts can all have a horizontal profile in the form of a regular polygon, such as a hexagonal cross-sectional profile.

[0052] From the lower support structure 12 (e.g., at the top plate 12a) to a position above the upper support structure 11 (e.g., up to the flange 15), the tubular central column 10 can have a constant diameter. Advantageously, this also facilitates efficient supply lines, manufacturing, and construction.

[0053] In one example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the tubular central column 10 may include reinforcing members 10d and 10e fixed to the inner surface of the tubular central column 10.

[0054] Reference Figures 12-15 The floating base 100 may further include at least one cable conduit 19 configured to receive the cable 18.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, the cable conduit 19 can be fixed to the upper support structure 11 at the flat panels 11a, 11c, 11e between the beam members 40, 41, 42, and fixed to the lower support structure 12 at the flat panel between the pontoon members 30, 31, 32.

[0056] Alternatively, such as Figure 13 As shown, the cable conduit 19 can be fixed inside one of the outer column members 20, 21, 22, and has an opening for the cable 18 at the bottom plate 20b, 22b of the outer column members 20, 21, 22.

[0057] Alternatively, such as Figure 14 As shown, the cable conduit 19 can be fixed inside the tubular central column 10 and has an opening for the cable 18 at the bottom plate 12b.

[0058] Alternatively, such as Figure 15 As shown, the cable conduit 19 can be fixed to the sidewalls 42c and d of a beam member 40, 41, 42, and to the sidewall of a float member 30, 31, 32.

[0059] Reference Figures 16-19The floating base 100 may further include an inclined reinforcing truss beam 45 located between one of the three pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and a corresponding one of the three beam members 40, 41, 42 (i.e., the beam members 40, 41, 42 are arranged vertically above the pontoon members 30, 31, 32). The truss beam 45 may be fixed at one end to the pontoon member 30, 31, 32, the beam member 40, 41, 42, the tubular central column 10, the upper support structure 11, or the lower support structure 12, and at the other end to one of the pontoon member 30, 31, 32, a beam member 40, 41, 42, or one of the three outer column members 20, 21, 22. Figure 16 A diagonal truss is shown. Figure 17 A double diagonal truss is shown. Figure 18 A V-shaped truss is shown. Figure 19 An A-frame truss is shown.

[0060] In any example or embodiment described or claimed herein, the term “fixed to” may mean fixed to by welding.

[0061] In any example or embodiment described or claimed herein, column members 20, 21, 22 and beam members 40, 41, 42 may advantageously be offset by 120 degrees.

[0062] In any example or embodiment described or claimed herein, the width b2 of the float components 30, 31, 32 (see...) Figure 3 The width b2 can be constant along the entire length of the respective pontoon members 30, 31, 32. The width b2 can be equal to the width b3 of a rectangular sidewall panel 22x to which the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 are fixed, and equal to the width b5 of a corresponding flat panel of the lower support structure 12 to which the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 are fixed.

[0063] Similarly, in any example or embodiment described or claimed herein, the width b1 of beam members 40, 41, 42 may be constant along the entire length of the respective beam member 40, 41, 42. Width b1 may be equal to the width b3 of a rectangular sidewall panel 22x to which beam members 40, 41, 42 are fixed, and equal to the width b4 of a corresponding flat panel of the upper support structure 11 to which beam members 40, 41, 42 are fixed.

[0064] Further aspects of the invention and embodiments are outlined in the following numbered entries.

[0065] A1. A floating base (100) for a wind turbine generator, comprising:

[0066] Tubular central column (10);

[0067] An upper support structure (11) fixed to the tubular central column (10), for example arranged around the tubular central column (10) and fixed to the tubular central column;

[0068] The lower support structure (12) is fixed to the tubular central column (10).

[0069] Three outer column components (20, 21, 22) are arranged around the tubular central column (10).

[0070] Three horizontally extending pontoon components (30, 31, 32), each horizontally extending pontoon component (30, 31, 32) is fixed between the lower support structure (12) and a corresponding one of the three outer column components (20, 21, 22) and extends between them;

[0071] Three horizontally extending beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed between the upper support structure (11) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) and extend between them.

[0072] A2. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the lower support structure (12) is arranged around the tubular central column (10) and is fixed to the tubular central column.

[0073] A3. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the tubular central column (10) extends through the upper support structure (11).

[0074] A4. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper and / or lower support structures (11, 12) include:

[0075] A plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels (11a-f) are arranged around the tubular central column (10), for example, wherein the plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels (11a-f) form a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) hoop around the tubular central column (10).

[0076] A5. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper and / or lower support structure (11, 12) comprises a plurality of vertically arranged support plates (11g-l) extending radially outward between the tubular central column (10) and the interconnected flat panels (11a-f).

[0077] A6. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the support plates (11g-l) is fixed at the connection between two interconnected flat panels (11a-f).

[0078] A7. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper and / or lower support structure (11, 12) includes a top plate (11m, 12a) arranged around the tubular central column (10) and fixed to the tubular central column and to the upper edge of the flat panel (11a-f).

[0079] A8. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper support structure (11) includes a bottom plate (11n, 12b) arranged around the tubular central column (10) and fixed to the tubular central column and to the lower edge of the flat panel (11a-f).

[0080] A9. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the top plate (11m) and / or the bottom plate (11n) are fixed to the plurality of vertically arranged support plates (11g-l).

[0081] A10. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the lower support structure (12) includes a top plate (12a), and wherein the lower end of the tubular central column (10) sits on the top plate (12a) and is fixed to the top plate.

[0082] A11. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the lower support structure (12) includes a bottom plate (12b), and wherein the lower end of the tubular central column (10) sits on or is positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the bottom plate (12b) and is fixed in the lower support structure (12), for example, fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate (12b).

[0083] A12. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the interior of the tubular central column (10) does not open to the surrounding seawater.

[0084] A13. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the tubular central column (10) includes a single opening at its top end and is otherwise a closed column.

[0085] A14. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the lower support structure (12) includes a bottom plate (12b) that separates the interior of the tubular central column (10) from the surrounding seawater.

[0086] A15. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the bottom plate (12b) of the lower support structure (12), the bottom plates (30b, 31b, 32b) of the three horizontally extending pontoon members (30, 31, 32) and the bottom plates (20b, 22b) of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) define a continuous flat bottom surface of the base (100), and in particular, wherein there are no openings in the continuous flat bottom surface of the base (100).

[0087] A16. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each float component (30, 31, 32) is fixed at a corresponding flat panel of the lower support structure (12).

[0088] A17. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the width (b2) of each float component (30, 31, 32) is equal to the width (b5) of a corresponding flat panel of the lower support structure (12).

[0089] A18. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each beam member (40, 41, 42) is fixed at a corresponding flat panel of the upper support structure (11).

[0090] A19. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the width (b1) of each beam member (40, 41, 42) is equal to the width (b4) of a corresponding flat panel of the upper support structure (11).

[0091] A20. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the floating box components (30, 31, 32) is a box beam consisting of four outer flat panels defining a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls.

[0092] A21. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the beam members (40, 41, 42) is a box beam consisting of four outer flat panels defining a top wall (42a), a bottom wall (42b) and a pair of side walls (42c, d).

[0093] A22. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein:

[0094] Each beam member (40, 41, 42) includes at least one internal corner plate (49), which is fixed between the side wall (42c, d) and the top or bottom wall (42a, 42b) of the beam member (40, 41, 42), and

[0095] The upper support structure (11) includes at least one corner plate (48) arranged between the top or bottom plate (11n, 11m) of the upper support structure (11) and the flat panel (11a, 11c, 11e), which is adjacent to the flat panel (11b, 11d, 11f) to which the beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed.

[0096] A23. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein:

[0097] Each float assembly (30, 31, 32) includes at least one internal corner plate (49), said at least one internal corner plate being fixed between the side wall and the top or bottom wall of the float assembly (30, 31, 32), and

[0098] The lower support structure (12) includes at least one corner plate (48) arranged between the top or bottom plate (12a, 12b) of the lower support structure (12) and a flat panel adjacent to a flat panel to which the float box member (30, 31, 32) is fixed.

[0099] A24. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each outer column member (20, 21, 22) is a polygonal prism comprising a plurality of rectangular sidewall panels.

[0100] A25. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) is a right prism, and / or wherein each of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) has a uniform cross section in a horizontal plane.

[0101] A26. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each outer column member (20, 21, 22) includes a pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and a beam member (40, 41, 42) to which a rectangular sidewall panel is fixed.

[0102] A27. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the width (b3) of a rectangular sidewall panel to which a pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and a beam member (40, 41, 42) are fixed is equal to the width (b2) of the respective pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and the width (b1) of the respective beam member (40, 41, 42).

[0103] A28. A floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein b1=b2=b3=b4=b5.

[0104] A29. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein h1 h2.

[0105] A30. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the height of the upper support structure (11) (e.g., the height of a plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels (11a-f) forming part of the upper support structure (11)) is equal to the height (h1) of the beam members (40, 41, 42).

[0106] A31. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the height of the lower support structure (12) (e.g., the height of a plurality of vertically arranged interconnected flat panels forming part of the lower support structure (12)) is equal to the height (h2) of the floating box components (30, 31, 32).

[0107] A32. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the column members (20, 21, 22) and the upper support structure (11) and optionally the lower support structure (12) have the same polygonal cross-sectional profile in the horizontal plane, such as the profile of a regular polygon.

[0108] A33. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the polygonal cross-sectional profile in the horizontal plane is a hexagonal cross-sectional profile, such as a regular hexagonal profile.

[0109] A34. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the tubular central column (10) includes a flange (15), such as a bolt flange (15), located above the upper support structure (11), the flange (15) being configured for connection to the wind turbine generator tower (16).

[0110] A35. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the position from the lower support structure (12) to the upper support structure (11), for example to the position where the flange (15) is arranged on the tubular central column (10), the tubular central column (10) having a constant diameter.

[0111] A36. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the tubular central column (10) includes reinforcing members (10d, 10e) fixed to the inner surface of the tubular central column (10).

[0112] A37. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, comprising at least one cable conduit (19) configured to receive a cable (18), wherein the cable conduit (19) is fixed:

[0113] To the upper support structure (11), at the outer surface of the flat panel (11a, 11c, 11e), the flat panel is adjacent to the flat panel (11b, 11d, 11f) to which the beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed, and to the lower support structure (12), at the outer surface of the flat panel, the flat panel is adjacent to the flat panel to which the pontoon members (30, 31, 32) are fixed;

[0114] On the inner side of one of the outer column members (20, 21, 22), and combined with the opening at the bottom plate (20b, 22b) of the outer column member (20, 21, 22);

[0115] Inside the tubular central column (10), and combined with the opening at the bottom plate (12b) of the lower support structure (12); or

[0116] A sidewall (42c, d) of a beam member (40, 41, 42) and a sidewall of a pontoon member (30, 31, 32).

[0117] A38. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items includes at least one inclined truss beam (45) located between one of the three pontoon members (30, 31, 32) and a corresponding one of the three beam members (40, 41, 42).

[0118] The truss beam (45) is fixed at one end to a pontoon member (30, 31, 32), a beam member (40, 41, 42), a tubular central column (10), an upper support structure (11), or a lower support structure (12), and at the other end to one of a pontoon member (30, 31, 32), a beam member (40, 41, 42), or three outer column members (20, 21, 22).

[0119] A39. A method for constructing a floating base (100) for a wind turbine generator, the method comprising:

[0120] Manufacture a first tower support portion (13a), the first tower support portion (13a) including a first central column portion (10a) and an upper support structure (11), the upper support structure being arranged around the first central column portion (10a) and being fixed to the first central column portion;

[0121] A second tower support section (13b) is provided, which includes a second central column section (10b).

[0122] Manufacture a third tower support portion (13c), the third tower support portion (13c) including a lower support structure (12).

[0123] The first central column portion (10a) is fixed to the second central column portion (10b), and the second central column portion (10b) is fixed to the third tower support portion (13c).

[0124] Three external column components (20, 21, 22) are provided, which are arranged around the tubular central column (10).

[0125] The three horizontally extending pontoon components (30, 31, 32) are secured between the lower support structure (12) and a corresponding one of the three outer column components (20, 21, 22); and

[0126] Three horizontally extending beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed between the upper support structure (11) and one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22).

[0127] A40. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising manufacturing the third tower support portion (13c), the third tower support portion having a third central column portion (10c) and having a lower support structure (12) fixed to the third central column portion (10c), wherein the step of fixing the second central column portion (10b) to the third tower support portion (13c) comprises fixing the second central column portion (10b) to the third central column portion (10c).

[0128] A41. The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the step of fixing the second central column portion (10b) to the third tower support portion (13c) includes fixing the lower end (10b') of the second central column portion (10b) to the top plate (12a) of the lower support structure (12).

[0129] exist Figures 20-28 In other examples shown, the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and / or the column members 20, 21, 22 may be provided with reinforcing members 50 that extend laterally outward from the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and / or from the column members 20, 21, 22, or extend between the pontoon members 30, 31, 32.

[0130] Figure 20 and Figure 21 An example of a floating base 100 with reinforcing members 50 is shown in top and perspective views. The reinforcing members 50 are arranged in a common horizontal plane with the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and the lower support structure 12, such that the reinforcing members 50 form horizontal extensions from the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and / or the lower support structure 12. One reinforcing member 50 may be arranged to engage with each pair of nearby pontoon members 30, 31, 32. The reinforcing members 50 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the lower support structure 12.

[0131] exist Figure 20 and Figure 21 In the example shown, each of the reinforcing members 50 includes a first reinforcing member portion 51, which is fixed to the lower support structure 12 and extends outward from the lower support structure. The first reinforcing member portion 51 can be fixed to the lower support structure 12 adjacent to or between two corresponding pontoon members 30, 31, 32. The first reinforcing member portion 51 can be fixed to the lower support structure 12, for example, at the outer surface of the flat panel 12c (see...). Figure 24The flat panel is adjacent to the flat panels 12b and 12d to which the float members 30, 31, and 32 are fixed, or is arranged on the outer surface of the flat panel 12c, which is positioned between the two flat panels 12b and 12d to which the float members 30, 31, and 32 are fixed. In the illustrated example, the lower support structure 12 is hexagonal, having three flat panels to which the float members 30, 31, and 32 are fixed, and three flat panels to which the first reinforcing member portion 51 is fixed. (See also the following section on...) Figure 24 and Figure 25 (Discussion).

[0132] In this example, each reinforcing member 50 further includes two second reinforcing member portions 52, 53, wherein each second reinforcing member portion 52, 53 is fixed to a first reinforcing member portion 51 and to a corresponding distal end portion of one of the pontoon members 30, 31, 32. The second reinforcing member portions 52, 53 may include beams, such as box beams. As shown, in this example, the second reinforcing member portions 52, 53 are fixed to a corresponding sidewall of one of the pontoon members 30, 31, 32, for example, by welding to the outer flat panel constituting the pontoon members 30, 31, 32.

[0133] exist Figure 20 and Figure 21 In the illustrated example, the reinforcing member 50 defines an opening 54 between the reinforcing member 50 and the pontoon members 30, 31, 32. In this example, the opening 54 is defined by one of the first reinforcing member portion 51, the second reinforcing member portions 52, 53, and the corresponding pontoon members 30, 31, 32. Arranging the reinforcing member 50 to define the opening 54 can facilitate the adjustment of mass and added mass, and increase or decrease damping by increasing or decreasing drag. Alternatively or additionally, arranging the reinforcing member 50 to define the opening 54 can reduce the use of material (e.g., steel).

[0134] The number and geometry of the openings 54 can be varied and adjusted to tune the damping or mass characteristics to the desired level.

[0135] Alternatively, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the first and second reinforcing member portions 51, 52, and 53 can be integrally arranged and continuously fixed to the lower support structure 12 and the corresponding pontoon members 30, 31, and 32, thereby not forming any opening 54. Figure 22 and Figure 23 The example shown is otherwise equivalent to the above regarding Figure 20 and Figure 21 Example of the description.

[0136] like Figure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, the second reinforcing member portions 52, 53 can be advantageously arranged at an obtuse angle α between them. The obtuse angle α can be greater than the angle between the two corresponding pontoon members 30, 31, 32 (i.e., the angle between the longitudinal central axes of the pontoon members 30, 31, 32). The obtuse angle α can be greater than 120 degrees. Angle α can be measured as the outward-facing sides 52a, 53a of the second reinforcing member portions 52, 53 (see...). Figure 21 , Figure 23 The angle between ), or the angle between the longitudinal center axes of the second reinforcing member parts 52 and 53.

[0137] Figure 24 and Figure 25 It shows Figure 20 and Figure 21 Further details of the example shown. Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the lower support structure 12 and related parts is shown. Figure 25 A partial view of it is shown.

[0138] As shown in the figure, the first reinforcing member portion 51 may have a triangular horizontal cross-section and include two plates 51a and b extending outward from the lower support structure 12. In this example, the lower support structure 12 is hexagonal, with three flat panels 12b, d, and f having float members 30, 31, and 32 fixed thereto, and three flat panels 12a, c, and e having the first reinforcing member portion 51 fixed thereto. The arrangement with flat panels 12a-f can be equivalent to the described... Figure 6 The upper support structure 11 and the related description above. The vertically arranged support plate (equivalent to the vertically arranged support plate 11g-l and similar to the arrangement of the vertically arranged support plate) can be arranged in combination with the flat panels 12a-f.

[0139] Each of the two plates 51a, 51b can be arranged to be coplanar with the corresponding adjacent flat panels 12b, 12d to which the float members 30, 31, 32 are fixed, for example, in their extensions. The edges (e.g., the outermost edges) of the plates 51a, 51b can be fixed together with the second reinforcing member portions 52, 53 at the connection 55 between the outward-facing sides 52a, 53a or directly adjacent to this connection (see...). Figure 25 ).

[0140] Advantageously, each of the two plates 51a, 51b has an extension in the horizontal plane that is equal to the extension of the corresponding flat panel 12b, 12d to which the float members 30, 31, 32 are fixed. The extension of the corresponding flat panel 12b, 12d can be equal to the width b5, such as... Figure 3 As shown and as described above.

[0141] These examples can provide structural and construction advantages, such as simplifying the arrangement of internal reinforcements in the lower support structure 12, the reinforcing member 50, and / or the pontoon members 30, 31, 32.

[0142] exist Figures 26-28 In other examples shown, the reinforcing member 50 may include a slender beam, such as a box beam extending between the two pontoon members 30, 31, 32.

[0143] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the reinforcing member 50 can be fixed to the outward-facing sidewall of two of the float members 30, 31, 32, for example, to the sidewall of the float members 30, 31, 32 at the distal end portion adjacent to the column members 20, 21, 22, or at other locations on the sidewall.

[0144] Figure 28 Another example is shown, in which the base 100 has a support hoop 46 fixed to a tubular central column 10 and an inclined truss beam 45 arranged between the support hoop 46 and each of the three pontoon members 30, 31, 32. Figure 28 The base 100 shown and Figures 16-19 The base shown can have a combination of inclined truss beams 45 and reinforcing members 50. In this case, the reinforcing members 50 can be, for example, according to... Figures 20-27 One or more examples are shown. One or more truss beams 45 are applied (e.g., as shown in...). Figures 16-19 or Figure 28 (As shown) can provide structural advantages in particular regarding vertical forces (such as heave-related forces acting on the base 100).

[0145] Figures 16-28 The example shown can advantageously allow for a reduction in the overall steel weight of the floating base 100. For example, certain marine weather conditions (such as those in parts of the North Sea) can generate high fatigue loads on floating bases similar to those disclosed herein, which may in some cases require the use of thicker steel plates at localized fatigue hotspots in the shell structure of the base 100 (e.g., at the connection between the pontoon members 30, 31, 31 and the support structure 12). Acceptable structural strength can be achieved by providing reinforcing truss beams 45 and / or reinforcing members 50 without the need for localized reinforcement of the shell strength, for example, by using thicker steel plates. This provides greater flexibility and more efficient manufacturing, as the same basic base design can be used for a variety of different locations / projects, but with the addition of reinforcing truss beams 45 and / or reinforcing members 50 on a case-by-case basis, depending on the local requirements of the intended work site.

[0146] For example Figures 20-28 The reinforcing member 50 shown is added to the basic design (e.g., having such as Figures 2-4 The basic design shown can be further facilitated by adjusting the mass and additional mass, and by increasing or decreasing the drag to increase or decrease the damping. Therefore, the specific design of the reinforcing member 50 can be used during the design phase to influence structural characteristics and hydrodynamic behavior. By providing a core basic design that can be adjusted according to the needs of different locations / projects, this provides design flexibility for the use of the base 100 in different locations and under different marine weather conditions.

[0147] The reinforcing member 50 can provide structural advantages in particular relative to the horizontal forces acting on the base 100, such as reducing stress at the connection between the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and the lower support structure 12, and / or reducing stress at the connection between the beam members 40, 41, 42 and the upper support structure 11.

[0148] Figure 29 and Figure 30 An example base 100 is shown, in which column members 20, 21, 22 have a quadrilateral horizontal cross-section. For example, the cross-section can be rectangular or square.

[0149] Figure 31 An example of a base 100 is shown, in which the tubular central column 10 is replaced by a polygonal central column 10'. Any aspect, example, or embodiment described or claimed herein can be implemented by replacing the tubular central column 10 with such a polygonal central column 10'. Advantageously, the polygonal central column 10' may have the same horizontal cross-section as the lower support structure 12 and the upper support structure 11. The polygonal central column 10' may extend continuously between the lower support structure 12 and the upper support structure 11, and connect them to each other to form a combined polygonal prism consisting of the polygonal central column 10' and the lower and upper support structures 11, 12. In this way, the upper and lower support structures 11, 12 can be integrally formed with the polygonal central column 10'.

[0150] Additionally or optionally, the polygonal center post 10' may have the same horizontal cross-section as each of the post members 20, 21, and 22. The polygonal center post 10' may also have the same height as each of the post members 20, 21, and 22. In this way, the post members 20, 21, 22 and the center post 10' can be manufactured efficiently by using the same plate dimensions and / or the same construction equipment.

[0151] Figure 32 and Figure 33An example of a base 100 is shown, wherein beam members 40, 41, and 42 are arranged to slope downwards as they extend toward column members 20, 21, and 22. Figure 32 In the example shown, the outer end portions of beam members 40, 41, and 42 are fixed at or adjacent to the connection between column members 20, 21, and 22 and pontoon members 30, 31, and 32. Beam members 40, 41, and 42 can be fixed to column members 20, 21, and 22 and to pontoon members 30, 31, and 32. Optionally, beam members 40, 41, and 42 can be fixed at a higher position on column members 20, 21, and 22, or can be fixed to the top surface of pontoon members 30, 31, and 32. Figure 33 As shown in the example, the upper support structure 11 can be arranged vertically above the top of the column members 20, 21, 22, and the beam members 40, 41, 42 are inclined downward and fixed at the top portion of the column members 20, 21, 22.

[0152] Any aspect, example, or embodiment described or claimed herein may be used with non-horizontal beam members 40, 41, 42 (e.g., using... Figure 32 or Figure 33 The extended beam members 40, 41, and 42 shown are implemented.

[0153] Apply non-horizontal beam members 40, 41, and 42, for example... Figure 32 or Figure 33 As shown, structural advantages can be particularly provided regarding vertical forces (such as heave-related forces acting on the base 100).

[0154] Further aspects of the invention and embodiments are outlined in the following numbered entries.

[0155] A42. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items includes a plurality of reinforcing members (50), said reinforcing members (50):

[0156] Extending outward from the pontoon components (30, 31, 32), for example, laterally and / or horizontally, and / or

[0157] Extending between the pontoon components (30, 31, 32).

[0158] A43. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the reinforcing member (50), the floating box members (30, 31, 32) and the lower support structure (12) are arranged in a common plane, such as in a common horizontal plane.

[0159] A44. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the reinforcing members (50) includes

[0160] The first reinforcing member portion (51), which is fixed to the lower support structure (12) and extends outward from the lower support structure (12), and

[0161] Two second reinforcing member portions (52, 53), each second reinforcing member portion (52, 53) is fixed to the first reinforcing member portion (51) and is fixed to the corresponding distal end portion of one of the float box components (30, 31, 32).

[0162] A45. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each second reinforcing member portion (52, 53) is fixed to the sidewall of one of the floating box members (30, 31, 32).

[0163] A46. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second reinforcing member portions (52, 53) are arranged to have an obtuse angle (a) between them, for example, wherein the obtuse angle (a) is greater than the angle between the two corresponding float members (30, 31, 32), for example, wherein the angle (a) is greater than 120 degrees.

[0164] A47. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the outward-facing sides (52a, 53a) of the second reinforcing member portions (52, 53) are arranged to have an obtuse angle (a) between them, for example, wherein the obtuse angle (a) is greater than the angle between the two corresponding float members (30, 31, 32), for example, wherein the angle (a) is greater than 120 degrees.

[0165] A48. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second reinforcing member portions (52, 53) each comprise a beam, such as a box beam.

[0166] A49. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the reinforcing member (50) defines an opening (54) between the reinforcing member (50) and the floating box member (30, 31, 32).

[0167] A50. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first reinforcing member portion (51) is fixed to the lower support structure (12) at the outer surface of the flat panel (12c), which is adjacent to the flat panels (12b, 12d) to which the float members (30, 31, 32) are fixed, for example at the outer surface of the flat panel (12c), which is arranged between the two flat panels (12b, 12d) to which the float members (30, 31, 32) are fixed.

[0168] A51. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first reinforcing member portion (51) has a triangular horizontal cross section and includes two plates (51a, b) extending outward from the lower support structure (12).

[0169] A52. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the two plates (51a, 51b) is arranged to be coplanar with a corresponding adjacent flat panel (12b, 12d) to which the float box member (30, 31, 32) is fixed.

[0170] A53. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the two plates (51a, 51b) has an extension in a horizontal plane equal to the extension of the corresponding flat panel (12b, 12d) to which the float box member (30, 31, 32) is fixed.

[0171] A54. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the reinforcing member (50) comprises a slender beam, such as a box beam.

[0172] A55. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each reinforcing member (50) is fixed to the sidewall of two of the float members (30, 31, 32), such as the sidewall at the distal end portion of the float members (30, 31, 32).

[0173] A56. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items includes a support hoop (46) fixed to the tubular central column (10) and at least one inclined truss beam (45) disposed between the support hoop (46) and one of the three pontoon members (30, 31, 32), for example including the inclined truss beam (45) disposed between the support hoop (46) and each of the three pontoon members (30, 31, 32).

[0174] Figures 34-36A portion of the floating base 100 is shown, having inner corner supports 70 located between the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 and the corresponding column members 20, 21, 22, and / or inner corner supports 70 located between the beam members 40, 41, 42 and the corresponding column members 20, 21, 22. This inner corner support 70 is shown here relative to the beam members 40, pontoon members 30, and column members 20, but can be equivalently arranged for the other beam members 41, 42, pontoon members 31, 21, and column members 21, 22. The floating base 100 can be configured in other ways as described in any of the examples above.

[0175] Each of the inner corner supports 70 includes a rectangular plate 71 to which the pontoon member 30 and beam member 40, which are fixed to the column member 20, are fixed. The rectangular plate 71 is further fixed to the pontoon member 30 at the top wall of the pontoon member, or at the bottom wall 42b of the beam member (see...). Figure 7 The rectangular plate 71 is fixed to the beam member 40 at a location specified in the diagram. For example, it may be a steel plate welded to the column member 20 and the pontoon member 30 or the beam member 40. The rectangular plate 71 advantageously extends from the column sidewall panel toward the pontoon member 30 or the beam member 40 at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees). In this way, effective load transfer can be provided.

[0176] The rectangular plate 71 may extend over the entire width or substantially the entire width (e.g., at least 95%) of the column sidewall panel and the pontoon member 30 or the beam member 40.

[0177] The inner corner support 70 may further include a pair of side plates 72, and a rectangular plate 71 may be arranged between the side plates 72 and welded to the respective inward-facing surfaces of the side plates 72. Thus, the rectangular plate 71 may be welded at all four of its edges: at two opposite edges to the side plates 72, at one edge to the column member 20, and at one edge to the pontoon member 30 or the beam member 40.

[0178] Each side panel 72 has a first edge welded to the column member 20 and a second edge welded to the pontoon member 30 or beam member 40. For example, the first edge may be welded to the same rectangular sidewall panel to which the pontoon member 30 or beam member 40 is fixed. The second edge may, for example, be welded to the bottom wall 42b of the beam member 40 (see...). Figure 7 (or the top wall of the pontoon component 30).

[0179] Each side panel 72 may further have a curved third edge. Each side panel 72 may have exactly three edges.

[0180] Further aspects of the invention and embodiments are outlined in the following numbered entries.

[0181] A57. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items includes:

[0182] An inner corner support (70) is arranged between each pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22), and / or

[0183] An inner corner support (70) is arranged between each beam member (40, 41, 42) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22).

[0184] A58. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the inner corner supports (70) includes a rectangular plate (71) fixed to a rectangular sidewall panel (22x) of the corresponding column member (20, 21, 22), on which the float box member (30, 31, 32) and / or the beam member (40, 41, 42) are fixed, and fixed to the float box member (30, 31, 32) or the beam member (40, 41, 42).

[0185] A59. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the rectangular plate (71) extends from the one rectangular sidewall panel toward the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) or the beam member (40, 41, 42) at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees (e.g., about 45 degrees or 45 degrees).

[0186] A60. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the width of the rectangular plate (71) is at least 95% of the width (b3) of the rectangular sidewall panel to which the float box member (30, 31, 32) or beam member (40, 41, 42) is fixed.

[0187] A61. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each of the inner corner supports (70) includes a pair of side plates (72), and the rectangular plate (71) is arranged between the side plates (72) and welded to the surface of the side plates (72).

[0188] A62. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each side plate (72) has:

[0189] The first edge, which is welded to the corresponding column member (20, 21, 22), such as the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) or beam member (40, 41, 42), is fixed to the rectangular sidewall panel thereon.

[0190] The second edge is welded to the pontoon components (30, 31, 32) or beam components (40, 41, 42), for example, the bottom wall (42b) of the beam components (40, 41, 42) or the top wall of the pontoon components (30, 31, 32).

[0191] A63. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein each side plate (72) has a curved third edge.

[0192] In other examples, such as Figures 37-41 As shown, the lower support structure 12 can be adjusted during the design of the shell structure of the base 100, and for example, relative to simulated environmental conditions at the intended work site of the base 100. The size and / or configuration of the lower support structure 12 can be adjusted as an alternative to or supplement to the use of the inner corner support 70, truss beam 45 and / or reinforcing member 50 as described above.

[0193] Figure 37 The lower support structure 12 is shown, which is related to the lower support structure 12 having a regular polygonal horizontal cross-sectional shape (e.g. Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As shown) compared to the 12x extension that has been added, and also Figure 38 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0194] The lower support structure 12 can be extended by adjusting the sides 12g, 12h, 12i (e.g., the flat panels constituting the sides 12g, 12h, 12i), which do not dock with the pontoon members 30, 31, 32. The sides 12g, 12h, 12i can be extended by a distance equivalent to a predetermined number of internal reinforcing frames. Figure 39 The sides 12g, 12h, and 12i extending from the two frames are shown. Figure 40 The sides 12g, 12h, and 12i of the three extended frames are shown. Figure 41 The sides 12g, 12h, and 12i are shown as extended sections with additional modifications to their shape.

[0195] In any example or embodiment described or claimed herein, the width b5 of the sides 12g, 12h, 12i in the lower support structure 12 that do not mate with the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 (see...) Figure 3 The width of the portion of the lower support structure 12 that connects with the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32 can be greater than the width of the side portion of the lower support structure 12 that docks with the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32. An example of this is... Figures 39-41As shown in the figure. Advantageously, the width of the side portion of the lower support structure 12 that docks with the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 can be equal to the width b2 of the pontoon members 30, 31, 32, while the sides 12g, 12h, 12i have a larger width.

[0196] In another example and aspect of the invention, a method for generating electricity is provided, comprising operating a floating base 100 according to any one of the preceding clauses, the base having a wind turbine generator arranged thereon at an offshore location to generate electricity. The method may include receiving the electricity at an onshore location for supplying it to an onshore power grid. Advantageously, the method can provide environmentally friendly electricity production for onshore consumers.

[0197] In another example and aspect of the invention, a method is provided for designing a floating base 100 for a wind turbine generator. The base 100 may be a base according to any of the examples, aspects, or embodiments described above.

[0198] The method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base 100. For example, the computer model can be created as a proposed computer-aided design (CAD) model of the base 100.

[0199] A set of marine meteorological data representing the environmental conditions at the proposed work site for the base 100 is provided. The marine meteorological data may include data measured at the proposed work site or data obtained in another manner, representing the environmental conditions at the proposed work site. Optionally, the data may be taken from different work sites that are comparable to the proposed work site, or from different work sites from which information related to the environmental conditions of the proposed work site can be derived.

[0200] This set of marine meteorological data may, for example, include weather information related to wind, waves, and / or currents at the proposed work site. This set of marine meteorological data may, for example, include data spanning one year. Alternatively or additionally, the marine meteorological data may include information about the likelihood and nature of specific weather conditions.

[0201] Using a three-dimensional (3D) computer model and a set of marine meteorological data, the operation of the floating base 100 at the proposed work site was simulated under environmental conditions. Based on this simulation, parameters indicating the stress and / or fatigue loads on the floating base 100 under environmental conditions at the proposed work site were determined. For example, this parameter could represent the service life (fatigue life) of the base.

[0202] The method may further include adjusting the three-dimensional (3D) computer model in response to the discovery that the parameter does not meet a predetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold for service life). The method can be used in an iterative process to calculate updated parameter values ​​by repeating the above steps on the adjusted three-dimensional (3D) model, thereby obtaining, for example, an updated value for the service life of the base 100 under environmental conditions at the proposed work site. If (or when) the parameter meets the predetermined threshold, a final three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base 100 can be established.

[0203] The final three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base 100 may include a set of computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and / or a set of construction drawings of the base 100 based on the final three-dimensional (3D) computer model. The CAD drawings and / or construction drawings may be, for example, drawings used by a factory to produce (i.e., construct) the base 100.

[0204] The method may also include producing (i.e., constructing) one or more bases 100 based on the set of computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and / or the set of construction drawings. For example, multiple bases 100 for the proposed work site may be produced based on a final three-dimensional (3D) computer model.

[0205] Advantageously, the base 100 may be a base having an inner corner support 70, a truss beam 45, and / or a reinforcing member 50, as described above. The method may include adjusting a three-dimensional (3D) computer model by adjusting parameters associated with the inner corner support 70, the truss beam 45, and / or the reinforcing member 50, while keeping the dimensions of the column members 20, 21, 22, the pontoon members 30, 31, 32, and the beam members 40, 41, 42 constant. Parameters associated with the truss beam 45 may, for example, be the dimensions of the truss beam 45, its structural strength (e.g., thickness), orientation, or arrangement (e.g., the positioning of the connection between the truss beam 45 and the rest of the base structure). See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 16-19 and Figure 28 Parameters associated with the reinforcing member 50 may include, for example, the dimensions of the reinforcing member 50, its structural strength (e.g., thickness), and its orientation or arrangement (e.g., the positioning of the connection where the reinforcing member 50 is fixed to the rest of the base structure). See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 20-28 Parameters related to the inner corner support 70 may include, for example, the dimensions, structural strength (e.g., thickness), orientation, or arrangement of the rectangular plate 71. See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 34-36 Alternatively or additionally, the method may include adjusting the sides 12g, 12h, 12i of the lower support structure 12 that do not dock with the pontoon components 30, 31, 32 (see...). Figure 3 and Figures 39-41Adjusting the dimensions (e.g., width b5) of the three-dimensional (3D) computer model may involve adjusting the horizontal coverage area in the lower support structure 12. This method may include keeping the sides of the lower support structure 12 that abut with the pontoon members 30, 31, 32 constant, for example, keeping the width of these sides equal to the width b2 of the pontoon members 30, 31, 32, while increasing the width of the sides 12g, 12h, 12i.

[0206] In this way, the basic design can form the foundation of base 100, which can be used in various work sites, and a construction plant can be established, for example, to manufacture base 100 according to the basic design (e.g., depending on the size of the plates used, the associated work processes, etc.). Based on the requirements of a specific work site, such as fatigue loads on base 100 due to local marine weather conditions, base 100 can be designed and manufactured to meet design requirements, such as fatigue life. Since the basic design remains unchanged, this adjustment can be made without significantly adversely affecting manufacturability.

[0207] Further aspects of the invention and embodiments are outlined in the following numbered entries.

[0208] A64. A method for designing a floating base (100) for a wind turbine generator, the method comprising:

[0209] (a) Generate a three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base (100) according to any one of clauses A1-A38 or A42-A63;

[0210] (b) Provide a set of marine meteorological data that represents the environmental conditions of the proposed operating site of the base (100);

[0211] (c) Using a three-dimensional (3D) computer model and the set of marine meteorological data, simulate the operation of the floating base (100) under the environmental conditions at the proposed work site; and

[0212] (d) Based on the simulation, determine parameters indicating stress and / or fatigue loads on the floating base (100) under the environmental conditions at the proposed work site.

[0213] A65. The method according to the preceding clause, the method comprising:

[0214] After step (d), in response to the discovery that the parameter does not meet the predetermined threshold, the three-dimensional (3D) computer model is adjusted;

[0215] Repeat steps (c) and (d) using the adjusted 3D computer model; and

[0216] In response to the discovery that the parameters meet a predetermined threshold, a final three-dimensional (3D) computer model (100) of the base is generated.

[0217] A66. The method according to any one of the preceding two clauses, wherein the three-dimensional (3D) computer model is a three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base (100) according to any one of clauses A38 or A42-A63.

[0218] Furthermore, the step of adjusting the three-dimensional (3D) computer model includes adjusting the parameters associated with the inner corner support (70), truss beam (45) and / or reinforcing member (50) while keeping the dimensions of the column member (20, 21, 22), pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and beam member (40, 41, 42) unchanged.

[0219] A67. The method according to any one of the preceding three clauses, wherein the step of adjusting the three-dimensional (3D) computer model includes adjusting parameters associated with the lower support structure (12) of the floating base (100),

[0220] For example, the method includes adjusting the dimensions, such as the width (b5), of the side portion (12g, 12h, 12i) of the lower support structure (12) that does not dock with the float components (30, 31, 32), optionally keeping the side portion of the lower support structure (12) that docks with the float components (30, 31, 32) constant, for example keeping the width of the side portion of the lower support structure (12) that docks with the float components (30, 31, 32) equal to the width (b2) of the float components (30, 31, 32).

[0221] A68. The method according to any one of the preceding four clauses, wherein the step of generating a final three-dimensional (3D) computer model of the base (100) includes generating a set of computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and / or a set of construction drawings of the base (100) based on the final three-dimensional (3D) computer model.

[0222] A69. The method described in accordance with the preceding clause further includes producing one or more floating bases (100) based on the set of computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and / or the set of construction drawings.

[0223] Based on the examples and embodiments described herein, an efficient manufacture of a floating base 100 for a wind turbine generator can be achieved. Due to its advantageous structural characteristics, the base 100 can be advantageously implemented with a lower steel weight compared to existing technologies. For example, as... Figure 5As schematically shown, the bending moment applied to the wind turbine tower 16 will be offset by the couples acting on the tubular central column 10 from the upper and lower support structures 11, 12. Advantageously, the base 100 disclosed herein can provide enhanced structural characteristics because the peak stress exerted by the bending moment from the wind turbine tower can be better separated from the peak stress exerted by the waves acting on the floating base 100.

[0224] To facilitate automated manufacturing, geometric standardization can be repeated throughout the base 100. The width of the pontoon components 30, 31, and 32 can, for example, be equal to the width of the panels of the column components 20, 21, and 22, and this width can also be equal to the width of the beam components 40, 41, and 42. The width of the connections at the upper and / or lower support structures 11 and 12 can also be the same.

[0225] The top of beam members 40-42 and / or the top surface of column members 20-22 may be arranged to support equipment (such as electric converters, substations, hydrogen (H2) production equipment, fluid storage tanks, material storage tanks, batteries or other items).

[0226] The improved techniques described herein can be used to reduce costs and to make more efficient use of existing facilities, equipment, and supply chains. In some implementations, “continuous production” can be achieved by efficiently reusing the same equipment, facilities, and personnel to produce a series of bases 100.

[0227] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above; reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A floating base (100) for a wind turbine generator, comprising: A central column structure (10, 11, 12) with upper and lower support structures (11, 12). Three outer column members (20, 21, 22) are arranged around the central column structure (10, 11, 12), wherein each outer column member (20, 21, 22) is a polygonal prism including multiple rectangular sidewall panels (22x); Three horizontally extending pontoon components (30, 31, 32), each horizontally extending pontoon component (30, 31, 32) is fixed between the lower support structure (12) and a corresponding one of the three outer column components (20, 21, 22), and extends between them, wherein each of the pontoon components (30, 31, 32) is a box beam formed by four outer flat panels, the four outer flat panels defining a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls; Three horizontally extending beam members (40, 41, 42), each horizontally extending beam member (40, 41, 42) is fixed between the upper support structure (11) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22), and extends between them, wherein each of the beam members (40, 41, 42) is a box beam consisting of four outer flat panels defining a top wall (42a), a bottom wall (42b), and a pair of side walls (42c, d). A first inner corner support (70) is arranged between each pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) to which the pontoon members (30, 31, 32) are fixed. The second inner corner support (70) is arranged between each beam member (40, 41, 42) and a corresponding one of the three outer column members (20, 21, 22) to which the beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed. Each of the first and second inner corner supports (70) includes a rectangular plate (71) fixed to a rectangular sidewall panel (22x) of the corresponding column member (20, 21, 22), on which the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) and the beam member (40, 41, 42) are fixed, and the rectangular plate is fixed to the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) or the beam member (40, 41, 42).

2. The floating base (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The rectangular plate (71) extends from the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) toward the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) or the beam member (40, 41, 42) at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees.

3. The floating base (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The rectangular plate (71) extends from the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) at a 45-degree angle toward the pontoon member (30, 31, 32) or the beam member (40, 41, 42).

4. The floating base (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The width of the rectangular plate (71) is at least 95% of the width (b3) of the rectangular sidewall panel to which the pontoon members (30, 31, 32) and the beam members (40, 41, 42) are fixed.

5. The floating base (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the inner corner supports (70) includes a pair of side plates (72), and the rectangular plate (71) is arranged between the side plates (72) and welded to the face of the side plates (72).

6. The floating base (100) according to claim 5, wherein, Each side plate (72) has: The first edge, which is welded to the pontoon components (30, 31, 32) and the beam components (40, 41, 42) to which the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) is fixed, and The second edge is welded to the bottom wall (42b) of the beam member (40, 41, 42) or the top wall of the pontoon member (30, 31, 32).

7. The floating base (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each side plate (72) has a curved third edge.

8. The floating base (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The width (b1) of each beam member (40, 41, 42) is constant along the entire length of the respective beam member (40, 41, 42), and is equal to the width (b3) of the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) to which the beam member (40, 41, 42) is fixed, and is equal to the width (b4) of the flat panel of the upper support structure (11) to which the beam member (40, 41, 42) is fixed. The width (b2) of each float member (30, 31, 32) is constant along the entire length of the respective float member (30, 31, 32) and is equal to the width (b3) of the rectangular sidewall panel (22x) to which the float member (30, 31, 32) is fixed, and is equal to the width (b5) of the flat panel of the lower support structure (12) to which the float member (30, 31, 32) is fixed.

9. The floating base (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The width (b1) of each beam member (40, 41, 42) is equal to the width (b2) of each pontoon member (30, 31, 32).

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