Concrete Semi-Submersible Platform for Offshore Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-submersible floating platforms for offshore wind and marine energy conversion systems face challenges in minimizing oscillations and fatigue due to prevailing wind and wave directions, limiting their lifespan and stability, especially in deep waters, and lack design features for easy inspection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submersible concrete floating platform with a specific geometrical structure and reinforcement configuration, including steel-reinforced concrete with post-tensioned elements, optimized to reduce oscillations and fatigue by aligning its longitudinal axis with prevailing wind and wave directions, and featuring accessible design for easy maintenance and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If steel is used for the floating platform, then the construction cost is high, but the structure provides sufficient strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to concrete, which has different mechanical properties including higher density and compressive strength. This material substitution reduces construction costs while providing sufficient structural strength for the floating platform application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reinforced concrete, which is a composite material combining concrete with steel reinforcement. This composite approach maintains the structural strength requirements while utilizing the cost advantages of concrete as the primary material.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the platform is designed for fifty years lifespan, then the structure can accommodate two life cycles of conversion systems, but the oscillations and fatigue loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric ballast tanks with different volumes on opposite sides of the platform. This asymmetric configuration allows differential ballasting to counteract oscillations and adjust the platform's trim, reducing fatigue loads on the structure while maintaining long lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates ballast tanks that can be pre-filled or adjusted before storms or high-wave conditions. This beforehand cushioning allows the platform to proactively reduce oscillations and fatigue loads during adverse weather, enhancing reliability over the fifty-year lifespan.
3Ease of manufacture
If the platform operates in deep waters, then the installation is economically advantageous, but costly support systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the floating platform into modular components including separate vertical bodies, connection arms, and ballast tanks. This segmentation allows for simplified construction, assembly, and maintenance in deep water locations, reducing the complexity of support systems required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the platform with self-stabilizing features through its geometric configuration and ballast system that automatically adjusts to maintain stability. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external support systems in deep water installations.
4Reliability
If the platform is optimized to minimize oscillations from prevailing wind and wave directions, then the stress on structure is reduced, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric ballast tanks with different volumes on opposite sides of the platform. This asymmetric configuration allows differential ballasting to counteract oscillations and adjust the platform's trim, reducing fatigue loads on the structure while maintaining long lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable ballast systems that can dynamically respond to changing wind and wave conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the platform to minimize oscillations from prevailing directions without requiring complex fixed structural modifications.
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
The platform achieves reduced construction costs and extended lifespan, enhanced stability, and simplified maintenance, enabling efficient operation in deep waters with minimized stress from wind and waves, while allowing for effective cooling of electrical equipment and reliable mooring.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-submersible floating platform made of concrete for the installation of offshore power generation systems
Implementation Method 2
a platform made of concrete has lower construction costs and makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the system, thus providing more stability during operation
Implementation Method 3
a suitably configured and sized concrete platform makes it possible to obtain a specific oscillation period of the system in the water which exceeds the maximum period of the waves
Data Source
AI summary
A floating platform (1) to support offshore structures intended to generate electricity, this platform comprising a load-bearing support base (2) made of concrete and defining a longitudinal axis (L), this support base (2) being provided with three vertices (3, 4, 5) and an intermediate point (6) located near its geometric center; a plurality of vertical bodies (8) made of concrete which extend from the support base (5) at said vertices (3, 4, 5) and at the intermediate point (6). A vertex (3) of the load-bearing support base (2) is arranged in a longitudinally forward position with respect to the other two vertices (3, 4) and the load-bearing support base (2) comprises a pair of main connection arms (18) suited to directly connect the vertex (3) in a longitudinally forward position with respect to the other two vertices (3, 4) so as to define a substantially arrow-like shape in plan view. A method for the construction of a floating platform (1) to support offshore structures intended to generate electricity.