Floating Vessel Monopile Installation With Active Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing sizeable, slender objects like monopiles from floating vessels face challenges due to lack of stability and control in rough seas, limiting their use to calm conditions and small object sizes, and require complex systems that are not compatible with floating platforms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lifting means, an upending tool, and a gripping tool with an actuator system that aligns and controls the object's movements relative to the vessel, allowing for precise placement of monopiles from a floating vessel by damping and compensating for vessel motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If monopiles are installed from floating vessels in rough seas, then operational flexibility and accessibility are improved, but control and stability of the monopile during installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active motion compensation system as an intermediary between the floating vessel and the monopile. This system includes sensors to detect vessel motions and actuators to actively counteract these motions, thereby maintaining stable control of the monopile during installation from floating vessels in rough seas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters by implementing real-time motion compensation. The system continuously adjusts the positioning parameters of the monopile based on detected vessel motions, maintaining precise control despite the dynamic environment of rough seas
2Power
If larger and heavier monopiles are used to produce more electrical energy, then energy production capacity is improved, but handling difficulty and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical handling systems with an active motion compensation system. This substitution uses sensors and actuators to actively control the monopile position, reducing the mechanical complexity of handling larger and heavier monopiles while maintaining installation capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If installation is restricted to calm sea conditions, then monopile control and stability are improved, but operational time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static stability approach into a dynamic motion compensation system. The system continuously adapts to changing sea conditions by actively counteracting vessel motions in real-time, enabling stable monopile installation across a wider range of sea states and thereby increasing operational windows and productivity
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
Enables safe and accurate installation of monopiles in heavier sea states, expanding the operational conditions from 1.5 m significant wave height to 2-2.5 m, and maintaining precise alignment within installation tolerances, reducing the risk of damage and increasing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator system configured to act on at least one of the upending tool and the gripping tool and control movements of at least one of the first and the second circumferential parts, relative to the vessel
Data Source
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Figure 3B~3a
AI summary
Described is a device for providing a sizeable, slender object having a longitudinal direction into an underwater bottom from a deck of a vessel. The device comprises a lifting means configured to take up the object at a lifting point thereof and position it on the underwater bottom; an upending tool connected to an edge of the vessel and configured to engage a first circumferential part of the object suspended from the lifting means and provide a pivot around which the object can be upended; and a gripping tool connected to an edge of the vessel and configured to engage a second circumferential part of the object suspended from the lifting means, whereby the first and second circumferential parts are optionally spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the object. The gripping tool comprises an actuator system configured to act on at least one of the upending tool and the gripping tool and control movements of at least one of the first and the second circumferential parts, relative to the vessel. A method using the device is also described.