Floating Support Liquid Reserve Layout for Omnidirectional Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating support systems for offshore structures, such as wind turbines and bridges, are inadequate in damping multidirectional wave movements, as they are typically designed to address movements in a single direction, and stability issues arise from variable swell directions and external stresses like wind or earthquakes.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system comprising three or more liquid reserves spatially distributed and connected by tubes forming a star or polygon shape, allowing free liquid circulation and incorporating active and passive gas passage restrictions to optimize damping across all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a U-tube ballasting system is used for damping, then damping in a single direction is achieved, but damping in other directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single U-tube damping system is segmented into multiple independent U-tubes, each oriented in different directions. This allows each tube to handle damping in its specific direction while collectively providing omnidirectional damping coverage for the floating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system transitions from a one-dimensional single U-tube configuration to a multi-dimensional array of U-tubes arranged in different orientations. This dimensional expansion enables the system to address wave movements from multiple directions simultaneously, converting a single-direction solution into a multi-directional one.
2Device complexity
If liquid reserves are arranged in a single plane, then structural simplicity is maintained, but multidirectional damping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid reserves are arranged in three-dimensional space rather than confined to a single plane. This spatial distribution across multiple levels and orientations enables the damping system to effectively counteract wave movements from all directions, adding vertical and angular dimensions to the previously planar configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different liquid reserves are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations to specifically address local damping needs in different directions. Each reserve's position and orientation are optimized for its specific directional requirement, creating localized damping zones that collectively provide comprehensive coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If connecting tubes allow free liquid circulation, then damping performance is optimized, but control over liquid flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting tubes incorporate adjustable flow control mechanisms that can dynamically modify liquid flow between U-tubes based on operational requirements. This dynamic control system allows the damping performance to be optimized in real-time while maintaining the ability to regulate flow rates and directions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in flow parameters (rate, direction, volume) through adjustable restrictors or valves in the connecting tubes. By modifying these parameters, the system can adapt between free circulation mode for maximum damping and controlled circulation mode for specific operational conditions, achieving both performance optimization and operational flexibility.
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 effectively dampens multidirectional movements and enhances stability by allowing liquid to move freely in all directions, reducing displacement and improving damping performance, while being adaptable to various geometries and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting tubes ensure the free circulation of the liquid between all the liquid reserves. Thus, the liquid can move in all directions, to dampen excitations, regardless of the direction of the swell
Implementation Method 2
the liquid can move in all directions, to dampen excitations, regardless of the direction of the swell
Implementation Method 3
incorporating active and passive gas passage restrictions to optimize damping across all directions
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5f
Figure 6~7b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for stabilising a system subjected to external loads, in particular a floating support, said stabilisation system comprising at least three liquid reserves (2) and at least three connecting tubes (3). The liquid reserves are distributed spatially. Liquid flows between all of the liquid reserves through the connecting tubes. The invention also relates to a floating support including such a stabilisation system.