Auxiliary Device for Anode Cage Attachment on Offshore Monopiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching an anode cage to a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine are time-consuming and risky, especially in severe weather, due to the need for divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to perform multiple operations underwater, and they can damage the secondary construction or monopile.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary device with a support body that can be suspended from a hoisting means, equipped with remotely controlled tools for mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for precise placement and attachment of the anode cage without becoming part of the permanent connection, enabling safe and accurate attachment of the secondary construction to the primary construction, particularly under water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If divers or ROVs are used to guide and attach the anode cage underwater, then the anode cage can be positioned and connected to the monopile, but the process becomes time-consuming and the risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary device as an intermediary between the hoisting means and the anode cage. This device includes a support body with engagement means that can grip the anode cage, positioning means to accurately locate it around the monopile, and connection means to attach it to the monopile. By using this intermediary device, the complex operations of guiding, positioning, and attaching the anode cage are consolidated into a single integrated process, reducing both time and risk compared to using divers or ROVs that require multiple separate operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate operations are performed underwater to attach the anode cage, then the connection can be achieved, but the process requires multiple tools and sequential operations increasing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions into a single auxiliary device. The support body integrates engagement means for gripping the anode cage, positioning means for accurate location, and connection means for attaching to the monopile. This merging of multiple tools and operations into one integrated device simplifies the operation process and reduces the complexity of having to retrieve and operate multiple separate tools sequentially underwater.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Described is an auxiliary device for arranging and attaching in a desired position of a secondary construction on an already present offshore primary construction. The auxiliary device comprises a support body which can be suspended from a hoisting means using coupling means and can be carried into the vicinity of the primary construction. The support body is further provided with remotely controlled tools, wherein a tool is configured to engage the secondary construction and then release it in the desired position and/or electrically and/or mechanically connect the secondary construction to the primary construction. A corresponding method is also described. The device and method are particularly suitable for accurately arranging an anode cage around a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine, for positioning and for electrically and/or mechanically connecting the secondary construction to the primary construction.