Buoyant Offshore Platform Tensioning for Deep Water Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current buoyant offshore platforms for renewable energy systems face challenges in installation and maintenance, particularly due to complex and costly processes involved in deploying and stabilizing these platforms in deep water environments.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant offshore platform with a tensioning means that applies cyclic tensioning forces to mooring lines, using a reciprocating unidirectional mechanism to transition between floating and submerged configurations, allowing for easier deployment and stabilization, and featuring a pulley system and hydraulic rams to manage mooring lines effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a buoyant offshore platform is deployed in deep water, then renewable energy systems can be installed offshore with quicker and easier foundation installation, but the deployment and stabilization process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a dynamic tensioning system with adjustable mooring lines that can transition between different tension states. The tensioning means includes adjustable mechanisms that allow the mooring lines to be tensioned to specific levels during deployment, enabling the platform to adapt from a floating state to a stabilized submerged configuration. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the deployment process by providing controlled transition mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tensioning means as an intermediary device between the platform and the mooring lines. This intermediary mechanism facilitates the deployment process by providing a controlled interface for applying and adjusting tension, thereby simplifying the overall deployment procedure while maintaining stability in deep water environments.
2Ease of manufacture
If the platform is towed to the desired location, then manufacturing on land is achieved, but drag and resistance increase during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's mooring system is designed to be dynamically adjustable during transport and deployment. The mooring lines can be configured to minimize drag during towing operations, and the tensioning means can be adjusted to reduce resistance as the platform transitions from transport to operational configuration. This dynamic adaptability reduces harmful drag and resistance forces during the towing phase.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to mooring lines to submerge the platform, then stability in submerged configuration is achieved, but the tensioning process requires complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning means is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: applying tension to submerge the platform, maintaining stable submerged configuration, and potentially adjusting tension levels for different operational phases. This universal device consolidates multiple functions into a single system, reducing overall equipment complexity while achieving stable submerged configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mooring line tensioning system incorporates self-adjusting features where the tensioning means can automatically maintain appropriate tension levels once the platform reaches the desired submerged configuration. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex continuous control equipment while ensuring stable configuration maintenance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective deployment and stabilization of renewable energy systems, reducing drag and resistance during transport and ensuring stability in submerged configurations, facilitating the installation of wind turbines and other equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant offshore platform for supporting renewable energy systems... a base portion for submerging below said surface of said body of water; a top portion for remaining above said surface
Implementation Method 2
a tensioning means for applying tension to the one or more lines... wherein the tensioning means is arranged to apply tension to the one or more lines fixed between the buoyant offshore platform and said bed
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyant offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system having a base portion for submerging below the surface of a body of water, a top portion, at least one mooring line for fixing the platform to a bed of the body of water, and a tensioning means for applying tension to at least one of the mooring lines. The platform further comprises a floating configuration in which the platform is positioned floating on the surface of the body of water. The platform has a deployed configuration in which the base portion is submerged and the top portion remains above the surface of the body of water. In use, the tensioning means is arranged to apply tension to the at least one mooring line fixed between the platform and the bed such that the buoyant offshore platform transitions between the floating configuration and the deployed configuration.