Erectable Assembly Structures With Lifting for Offshore Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing physical dimensions of modern wind turbines make transportation and assembly at offshore sites challenging, as traditional methods are impractical and costly, and existing systems are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for assembling offshore structures, such as wind turbines, using an erectable structure with a lifting arrangement that allows components to be transported in a collapsed state and erected in situ, utilizing a tripod or tetrapod design with a lifting mechanism to assemble parts directly on a floating or buoyant base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wind turbines are manufactured and assembled at a first location then transported by road to a further location for deployment, then assembly can be performed using traditional methods, but transportation becomes impractical and costly due to increased physical dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine structure is divided into multiple transportable sections that can be assembled offshore. The erectable structure collapses into a compact configuration for transportation and then erects to its full operational height at the deployment location, enabling segmentation of the transport and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The erectable structure transitions from a collapsed transport state to an erected operational state. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to satisfy both transportation constraints (compact size) and operational requirements (full height), resolving the contradiction between transport feasibility and assembly capability.
2Length of moving object
If wind turbines are constructed onshore and transported in sections to an offshore site using slings and cranes, then transportation is feasible, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The erectable structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during transportation in collapsed form, acts as the final operational structure when erected, and eliminates the need for separate complex assembly equipment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to using dedicated cranes and slings.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure assembles itself through the erection mechanism inherent in the erectable design, rather than requiring external assembly equipment. The structure performs its own assembly function by transitioning from collapsed to erected state, reducing dependency on complex external assembly systems.
3Productivity
If traditional assembly methods are used at offshore sites, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but efficiency and safety are reduced due to repeated movement of foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The erectable structure is prepared in a collapsed state for transportation and then erected in a single location without repeated movement. This preliminary preparation and single-location erection eliminates the need for repeated foundation movements, improving both efficiency and safety by establishing the structure in its final position once.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assembling a structure such as a wind turbine or jacket is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first erectable structure comprising a first plurality of legs connected by a first connection arrangement. The apparatus comprises a second erectable structure comprising a second plurality of legs connected by a second connection arrangement. The apparatus comprises an elongate structure extending between the first and second erectable structures. The apparatus comprises a lifting arrangement configurable to move a load along the elongate structure between the first and second erectable structures. Also disclosed is a method of deploying an apparatus for assembling a structure, and a method of assembling the structure.