Deployable Spar Floating Platform for Offshore Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating power generation platforms face challenges in achieving optimal power performance at an affordable price, lack stability in extreme conditions, and are not designed to mitigate offshore environmental factors, with conventional designs retaining land-based constraints and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A floating power generation platform with a water plane platform, buoyant columns, and a deployable spar that can be extended below the water surface for stability, supporting multiple power generation systems, and incorporating features like telescoping deployment and mass counterbalance to enhance stability and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional floating platform designs (semi-submersible, spar buoy, tension leg) are used, then platform stability is provided, but structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components: a floating platform, a deployable spar, and a counterweight. These segments can be independently manufactured, deployed, and configured, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining stability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spar is designed to be deployable rather than fixed, allowing the platform to dynamically adjust its stability configuration. The spar can be extended or retracted based on operational conditions, eliminating the need for complex fixed structural systems.
2Productivity
If floating platform is deployed in extreme offshore conditions, then power generation capability is maintained, but platform survivability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is attached to the deployed spar to balance the platform and reduce motion in extreme conditions. This counterbalancing mechanism enhances platform survivability by minimizing stresses on the structure and power generation equipment during storms and high waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable spar and counterweight system is pre-configured to be deployed before extreme conditions occur, providing proactive stabilization. The system can be prepared in advance and quickly deployed when needed, cushioning the platform against the full impact of extreme offshore conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If space on floating platform is optimized, then operating costs are reduced, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spar is designed to nest within the tower structure when not in use, optimizing space utilization on the floating platform. This nested configuration eliminates the need for separate storage space for the spar, reducing operating costs without significantly increasing deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimized space on the floating platform is designed to accommodate multiple functions: power generation equipment, ballast systems, and spar storage. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized structures, lowering operating costs while keeping deployment procedures manageable.
4Stability of the object's composition
If deployable spar is extended below water surface, then platform stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spar transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic deployable component, allowing the platform to adjust stability characteristics as needed. This dynamic approach enhances stability when required while avoiding the constant complexity of fixed deep-water structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization function is extracted from the main platform structure and implemented as a separate deployable spar system. This extraction allows the spar to be optimized specifically for stability functionality without compromising the overall platform design, reducing unnecessary complexity.
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 increased performance and reduced operating costs by optimizing space utilization, enhancing stability in extreme conditions, and simplifying deployment, eliminating the need for complex active damping mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a water plane platform (16) including a plurality of buoyant columns (14)
Implementation Method 2
a deployable spar (22) movable between a stowed position, in which the deployable spar is stowed within the center core of the tower, and a deployed position, in which the deployable spar is extended below the water plane platform
Implementation Method 3
incorporating features like telescoping deployment and mass counterbalance to enhance stability
Data Source
AI summary
A floating power generation platform includes a water plane platform having a plurality of buoyant columns, and at least one tower extending above the water plane platform. The tower is configured to support at least one first power generation system and has a center core configured for stowing a deployable member. The floating power generation platform includes a deployable spar movable between a stowed position, in which the deployable spar is stowed within the center core of the tower, and a deployed position, in which the deployable spar is extended below the water plane platform.