Modular Floating Wind Turbine Foundation for Load and Ballast Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) platforms face inefficiencies and high Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) due to uneven load distribution, excessive ballast requirements, and increased construction and hull steel costs, particularly for large turbines, which hinder their economic competitiveness against conventional energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular, centrally located RNA/tower floating structure foundation with a simplified design that optimizes load distribution and reduces construction complexity by prefabricating and outsourcing structural components, including a modular transition assembly, supporting frame assemblies, and column/pontoon assemblies, facilitating efficient assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the RNA/tower is located off-center on one column, then the platform can support the structure, but the other two columns carry minimal load and require excessive ballast to maintain even keel, resulting in deeper drafts and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the RNA/tower off-center on one column (the heavy column) rather than distributing it evenly. This asymmetric configuration allows one column to carry the majority of the load while the other columns require minimal ballast, optimizing the overall weight distribution and reducing total ballast requirements compared to symmetric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ballast as counterweight to balance the asymmetric load distribution. By strategically placing ballast on columns with minimal load, the platform maintains an even keel and proper stability while minimizing the total amount of ballast required, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ballast weight.
2Strength
If the column span is increased to support larger 15 MW turbines, then structural rigidity is improved, but the hull steel weight and construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supporting structure into multiple columns and uses a combination of vertical and inclined trusses to distribute and transfer loads. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve the required rigidity for 15 MW turbines while minimizing the amount of hull steel needed, as the truss system efficiently distributes forces across multiple elements rather than requiring a single massive column.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inclined trusses that connect columns diagonally, adding a dimensional element to the load-bearing structure. This three-dimensional truss configuration provides structural rigidity and load distribution without requiring increased column span or additional hull steel weight, as the diagonal elements efficiently transfer loads through geometric stabilization.
3Force
If the inclined trusses are increased in size to support larger RNAs and taller towers, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the hull steel weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function across multiple inclined trusses rather than relying on single oversized trusses. By distributing the load-bearing capacity across several smaller truss elements connected in a network, the structure achieves the required force capacity while minimizing total steel weight, as each individual truss element operates within optimal stress ranges.
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 solution significantly reduces LCOE by enhancing structural integrity, streamlining construction and maintenance, and reducing overall costs, making FOWT farms more economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
The modular floating structure foundation comprises one modular transition assembly, three modular supporting frame assemblies, and three modular column/pontoon assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A floating structure foundation for a wind turbine features several improvements, including a transition assembly that supports the wind turbine generator (WTG) and tower centrally, transferring loads to primary structural components to maximize efficiency. Its highly modular design allows for flexible construction and scalability, with each component built independently for easier adaptation to different project requirements and site conditions. This modularity supports efficient dry transport, enabling multiple modules to be shipped simultaneously on various vessels. The foundation offers a simplified design with accelerated construction, rapid assembly, and installation.