Modular Floating Wind Turbine Foundation With Reduced Draught

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating foundations for large offshore wind turbines are cumbersome to construct, transport, and install due to extreme draughts, and are vulnerable to harsh deep-water environments, requiring complex engineering and frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A floating foundation design comprising alternating vertical and horizontal tubular sections connected by interpenetrating tube joints, allowing for a stable, resilient structure that can be easily assembled and installed, with optional active or passive ballast systems for optimal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spar-buoy type floating foundations are used for large wind turbines, then the foundation can support large turbine weights, but the draught becomes extreme making construction, transport and installation complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capacityVSAvoiddraught

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The floating foundation is divided into multiple modular sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be assembled in a segmented manner. Each section has standardized connection interfaces that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the complexity of construction and installation while maintaining the required support capacity for large wind turbines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If platform constructions with joints and struts are used, then the structural strength is improved, but the floating foundation becomes vulnerable to harsh deep-water environments requiring regular inspections and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresistance to harsh environment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using traditional joint and strut connections that create vulnerable points, the invention inverts the approach by using continuous tubular sections with integrated connection features. The connections are designed as smooth transitions within the tubular structure rather than external joints, eliminating stress concentration points and making the structure more resistant to harsh deep-water environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If continuous tubular structure of meandering shape is used, then the assembly process is simplified with no closed rings requiring precise positioning, but the curved sections are more complex to engineer and construct

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidcurved sections engineering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous meandering tubular structure is segmented into standardized sections with straight and curved portions. Each section has predefined connection interfaces that simplify assembly while the curved sections are engineered as repeatable modular units, reducing the overall engineering complexity despite the curved geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular sections are designed with optimized geometric parameters including specific curvature radii, wall thicknesses, and connection dimensions that balance manufacturing ease with structural performance. These parameter optimizations make the curved sections more tractable for standard construction processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If standardized tubular sections with interpenetrating tube joints are used, then the foundation becomes more adaptable to different water depths and turbine sizes, but the connection design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different conditionsVSAvoidconnection design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular sections are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different section lengths, diameters, and configurations. The interpenetrating tube joint design is standardized across all sections, allowing the same connection methodology to be used throughout the structure regardless of specific application requirements, thereby reducing overall design complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design provides a cost-effective, stable, and efficient foundation suitable for large wind turbines, enabling easy installation and maintenance, with reduced draught and improved resistance to harsh environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

vertical and horizontal sections are tubular members, arranged in an alternating manner, and connected together by interpenetrating tube joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical connection through interpenetrating tube joints: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

optional active or passive ballast systems for optimal operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250368299A1Floating foundation for an offshore wind turbine and method of construction

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 MARIDEA BV

AI summary

A floating foundation for an offshore wind turbine having a tower defining a vertical direction, the floating foundation comprising at least three vertical sections and at least two horizontal sections, wherein the vertical sections and the horizontal sections are tubular members, arranged in an alternating manner, and connected together by interpenetrating tube joints and wherein one of the vertical sections is arranged to receive the tower.