Controllable Float Module for Modular Offshore Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of floating offshore wind power is hindered by the need for large, complex construction facilities and the limitations of traditional fixed support structures, which restrict mass production and deployment due to requirements for heavy lift cranes, complex welding, and sensitive weather and tidal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular floating support structure with controllable ballast chambers and a remote control system, allowing for assembly and buoyancy adjustment in a manufacturing plant and final assembly offshore, enabling the use of conventional transport systems and reducing the need for specialized facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed support structures (Monopiles, Lattice, Jackets, Gravity-based) are used, then the turbine can be mounted on stable structures, but the structures are limited by water depth, tidal current conditions, and seabed soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The floating support structure is divided into multiple modular floating units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together offshore. Each module can be produced in standard shipyards without requiring specialized large-scale construction facilities, enabling deployment in locations beyond the reach of traditional fixed structures while maintaining overall structural stability through modular interconnection.
2Ease of manufacture
If floating wind concepts are developed using traditional construction facilities, then the structures can be built, but the need for wide beam, long and deep floodable construction yards or slipways constrains mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The floating support structure is divided into multiple modular floating units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together offshore. Each module can be produced in standard shipyards without requiring specialized large-scale construction facilities, enabling deployment in locations beyond the reach of traditional fixed structures while maintaining overall structural stability through modular interconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple floating modules are pre-assembled and tested in parallel at different standard shipyard locations before final offshore assembly. This preliminary modular construction approach eliminates the need for single large construction facilities and enables continuous production across multiple sites, significantly increasing mass production capacity.
3Strength
If complex sub assembly fabrication and heavy lift cranes are used, then the floating structure can be constructed, but the process requires specialized facilities and skilled persons availability
Solution Approach 1:
The floating support structure is divided into multiple modular floating units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together offshore. Each module can be produced in standard shipyards without requiring specialized large-scale construction facilities, enabling deployment in locations beyond the reach of traditional fixed structures while maintaining overall structural stability through modular interconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex heavy lift crane operations with a buoyancy-based assembly system. Modules are lifted using buoyant forces by controlling water admission into ballast tanks, eliminating the need for specialized heavy lift equipment and reducing dependence on skilled operators for complex mechanical lifting operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise timing of flooding of construction docks is required, then the launching can be controlled, but the timing constraints affect production output and cause stoppage of other part-built structures
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple floating modules are pre-assembled and tested in parallel at different standard shipyard locations before final offshore assembly. This preliminary modular construction approach eliminates the need for single large construction facilities and enables continuous production across multiple sites, significantly increasing mass production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamically controllable ballast tanks that can adjust buoyancy in real-time during assembly operations. This dynamic control allows modules to be submerged or raised as needed without requiring precise coordination of flooding timing across multiple structures, enabling parallel production and eliminating stoppages caused by synchronized timing constraints.
5Reliability
If the entire floating structure is completed before flooding of the construction dock, then the structure is ready for deployment, but the process requires large facilities and precise timing
Solution Approach 1:
The floating support structure is divided into multiple modular floating units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together offshore. Each module can be produced in standard shipyards without requiring specialized large-scale construction facilities, enabling deployment in locations beyond the reach of traditional fixed structures while maintaining overall structural stability through modular interconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple floating modules are pre-assembled and tested in parallel at different standard shipyard locations before final offshore assembly. This preliminary modular construction approach eliminates the need for single large construction facilities and enables continuous production across multiple sites, significantly increasing mass production capacity.
6Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transport systems are used for module delivery, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but the modules must be designed for specific transport constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The floating modules are designed with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces that can be transported using conventional shipping infrastructure (container ships, barges, heavy lift vessels). This universal design approach allows the same module type to be transported via multiple transport modes without requiring custom design modifications, maintaining manufacturing flexibility while ensuring broad transport system compatibility.
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 facilitates the production and deployment of floating wind turbines in a wide range of conditions, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency by allowing assembly in submerged conditions and utilizing existing transport systems, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional construction methods.
Implementation Method 1
a control system, adapted to control each of said at least one first and second controllable fluid connection and selectively vary the proportional quantity of said first fluid and said second fluid within any one of said first and at least one second ballast chamber, so as to selectively vary the buoyancy of any one of said at least one predetermined first and second portion of said float module when in use
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a controllable float module for a modular offshore support structure assembly. The inventive float module comprises (i) a first ballast chamber provided within a predetermined first portion of said float module, having at least one first controllable fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between an interior of said first ballast chamber and a first fluid reservoir containing a first fluid, and at least one second fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between said interior of said first ballast chamber and a second fluid reservoir containing a second fluid; (ii) at least one second ballast chamber provided within a predetermined second portion of said float module, having at least one first controllable fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between an interior of said second ballast chamber and said first fluid reservoir containing said first fluid, and at least one second fluid connection, adapted to provide controlled fluid flow between said interior of said second ballast chamber and said second fluid reservoir containing said second fluid, and (iii) a control system, adapted to control each of said at least one first and second controllable fluid connection and selectively vary the proportional quantity of said first fluid and said second fluid within any one of said first and at least one second ballast chamber, so as to selectively vary the buoyancy of any one of said at least one predetermined first and second portion of said float module when in use.