Floating Wind Installation with Buoyancy and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating, anchored installations for offshore wind energy production are large, heavy, and costly, with modest energy production relative to building costs, and face challenges in maintaining efficiency due to structural displacements and turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A triangular floating, anchored installation with buoyancy elements and float-driven power engines, including pumps and windmills, that can adjust direction to avoid turbulence, featuring counter-rotating windmill rotors and a horizontal damping plate to reduce heave movement, allowing for increased energy production without increasing installation dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the installation is designed to hold the windmill supporting structure still, then the windmill structure is protected from additional forces, but the installation becomes relatively large, heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the installation to move with waves and currents rather than resisting them. The windmill supporting structure is designed to accommodate motion, with the windmill rotor able to track wind direction while the installation itself follows sea movements, reducing the need for heavy stabilizing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses buoyancy elements as counterweight to balance the installation. These buoyant structures provide the necessary stability and support without requiring excessive weight, as the buoyant force naturally counteracts gravitational forces on the installation and windmill structure
2Reliability
If the installation is designed to hold the windmill supporting structure still, then the windmill structure is protected from additional forces, but the building cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the installation to move dynamically with environmental forces rather than resist them statically, the patent reduces material requirements and construction complexity. The windmill rotor can actively track wind direction while the installation follows wave and current movements, lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The installation serves multiple functions: it supports windmills for energy production, contains buoyancy elements for stability, and can accommodate motion without requiring separate heavy stabilization systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall construction cost while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If the installation becomes relatively large, then it can support the windmill structure, but the energy production in relation to building cost becomes modest
Solution Approach 1:
Buoyancy elements provide the necessary support and stability for the windmill structure without requiring a large overall installation size. The buoyant force efficiently counteracts weight, allowing a compact design that maintains high energy production relative to building cost
Solution Approach 2:
The installation's ability to move with environmental forces allows for a more compact design compared to fixed, rigid structures. This dynamic approach reduces the scale needed to support windmills while maintaining reliability, thereby improving energy production efficiency
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 enhances energy production and capital efficiency by stabilizing the structure, reducing wind-induced forces, and enabling flexible maintenance, while maintaining alignment with wind direction to optimize energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
DE 3803570 deals with a floating installation for production of energy from wave power working according to the wedge channel principle
Implementation Method 2
The longitudinal beam(s), whereon the wind turbines are placed, is/are mounted on the support structure. This is supplied with buoyancy elements
Implementation Method 3
a horizontal damping plate to reduce heave movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A floating, anchored installation (1) for energy production where the installation (1) comprises at least one windmill (4), and where the installation (1) is provided with at least one float driven pump (6).