Floating Wind Turbine Mooring Structure for Deep-Water Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining the stability and anchoring of offshore floating wind turbine systems is challenging due to the elevated center of gravity and the need for secure mooring to the seabed.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a floating support structure with multiple columns and support arms supporting the wind turbine, anchored by a buoyancy module and mooring legs, with a rotatable connection to the seabed, and a control system for orientation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the wind turbine is located at a large elevation above the support platform, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the stability of the support platform deteriorates due to elevated center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight system where adjustable weights are positioned on the support platform to offset the toppling moment caused by the elevated wind turbine. The counterweight mechanism creates a balancing force that compensates for the unstable effect of high elevation, allowing the turbine to operate at optimal height while maintaining platform stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platform incorporates adjustable and movable components including variable counterweight positions and adaptable mooring configurations. This dynamic system allows real-time adjustment of stability parameters in response to changing operational conditions, enabling the platform to maintain stability across different wind speeds and turbine elevations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the floating support structure is used, then the adaptability to deep water locations is improved, but the stability and anchoring reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is divided into multiple independent mooring lines distributed around the support platform. Each mooring line operates independently to provide anchoring force, and the segmented configuration allows the system to adapt to different seabed conditions while maintaining overall anchoring reliability through distributed load bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-tensioning of mooring lines during installation to establish initial stability before operational loads are applied. This preliminary action ensures that the mooring system is already engaged and providing stabilizing force, improving reliability from the moment the platform begins operation in deep water.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mooring legs and anchor structures are used, then the anchoring stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring legs are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as structural support elements and as integrated anchoring mechanisms. Each mooring leg can function independently or in combination with others, reducing the need for separate anchoring components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining anchoring stability.
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 provides stable and secure anchoring, maintaining the wind turbine's position and orientation, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An anchor structure that includes a buoyancy module can be positioned on the surface of the body of water
Data Source
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AI summary
Offshore wind turbine systems and processes for installing same. The system can include a wind turbine generator can include a plurality of blades connected thereto. The system can also include a first support arm and a second support arm each having a first end and a second end. The system can also include a support structure that can be configured to float on a surface of a body of water that can include first, second, and third columns. The first end of the first support arm and the first end of the second support arm can each support the wind turbine generator at an elevation above the support structure. The second end of the first support arm can be connected to and supported by the first column. The second end of the second support arm can be connected to and supported Q by the second column.