Floating Platform Stabbing Guides for Offshore Turbine Mounting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting structures, such as wind turbines, on floating platforms is challenging due to the size and weight of the structures, undesirable movements caused by wind and waves, and the lack of infrastructure at the quay, leading to potential damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
A floating platform system with downwardly-oriented stabbing guides that engage with subsurface alignment structures in the water, combined with ballasting and tensioning to the second platform, stabilizes the floating platform, allowing precise and safe mounting of structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the floating platform is used to mount large structures like wind turbines, then the structure can be deployed offshore, but the platform experiences undesirable movements and tipping due to wind and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The stabbing guides are pre-installed on the floating platform before deployment. When the platform is lowered into position, the guides automatically engage with the subsurface alignment structures, preliminarily establishing the stabilization mechanism before the actual structure mounting operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabbing guides act as intermediary elements between the floating platform and the subsurface alignment structures. These guides transfer and distribute the stabilizing forces from the alignment structures to the platform, preventing tipping and unwanted movements while enabling offshore deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the floating platform is lowered to engage with subsurface alignment structures, then precise alignment is achieved, but the platform requires ballasting and tensioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into distinct functional components: the stabbing guides for alignment, the ballasting system for vertical positioning, and the tensioning system for horizontal restraint. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex stabilization requirement to be broken down into manageable operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballasting liquid acts as an intermediary medium that transfers weight to the platform, enabling controlled sinking to the alignment position. The tensioning lines serve as intermediaries that transmit forces from the second platform to the floating platform, assisting in the precise positioning achieved through the stabbing guide engagement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the floating platform is tensioned to the second platform, then movement is restricted, but the infrastructure at the quay is insufficient for direct mounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The stabbing guides serve as intermediaries that enable the floating platform to achieve stable positioning and restrict movement without requiring extensive infrastructure at the quay. The guides engage with subsurface alignment structures, allowing the platform to be tensioned and stabilized in open water, thereby eliminating the need for quay-based mounting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical mounting system requiring quay infrastructure is replaced with a system based on stabbing guide engagement and tensioning. This substitution allows the floating platform to be stabilized and used for mounting operations in open water, bypassing the need for extensive quay infrastructure.
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 system stabilizes the floating platform, minimizing damage during structure mounting by preventing tipping and movement, ensuring precise alignment and secure attachment to the subsurface alignment structures.
Implementation Method 1
lowering the floating platform in the body of water such that a stabbing guide of the floating platform engages the subsurface alignment structure
Implementation Method 2
The floating foundation of the wind turbine may include one or more columns, one or more pontoons, and a mating area to receive the first component of the wind turbine or a combination thereof, which can provide buoyancy in the body of water to keep the wind turbine above a water level
Implementation Method 3
tensioning the floating platform to a second platform
Data Source
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AI summary
A floating platform system can be provided to facilitate mounting of and for supporting a structure on a floating platform. For example, the floating platform system can include the floating platform. The floating platform system can also include a ballast receiving volume inside the floating platform for receiving a ballasting liquid. The floating platform system can further include a mounting surface on the floating platform for mounting a structure. Additionally, the floating platform can include a downwardly-oriented stabbing guide.