Floating Wind Plant Single-Point Cable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floatable offshore wind power plants are complex, costly, and require expensive foundation structures, with limited operational stability and reliability, especially in varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A floatable offshore wind power plant design featuring a cable system that acts as both a power line and a holding cable, with a single-point connection allowing six degrees of freedom movement, combined with a semi-submersible supporting unit and a mast configuration that automatically orients the rotor to maximize power yield without additional mechanical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional foundation structures are used for floatable offshore wind power plants, then the plant can be anchored stably, but the complexity and cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from complex foundation structures and implements it through a simple single-point connection system. The wind power plant is connected to the water bottom via a single anchoring point with a cable, eliminating the need for complex multi-point foundation structures while maintaining anchoring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides anchoring stability, allows six-degree-of-freedom movement for automatic orientation, and transmits electrical power. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate systems (anchoring mechanism, orientation mechanism, power transmission) with a single integrated solution.
2Reliability
If multiple cables and anchor chains are used to connect the wind power plant, then the anchoring is more stable, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchoring function and the orientation function into a single cable connection system. The single cable provides both the mechanical anchoring stability and the flexibility needed for six-degree-of-freedom movement, eliminating the need for separate anchor chains and orientation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable connection performs multiple functions: anchoring the plant, enabling automatic orientation through six-degree-of-freedom movement, and transmitting electrical power. This replaces traditional systems that required separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If the wind power plant is fixed in position, then it maintains stable orientation, but it cannot be easily relocated for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic anchoring system where the single cable connection allows the wind power plant to move freely in six degrees of freedom while maintaining stable anchoring. This dynamic capability enables easy relocation for maintenance while preserving position stability during operation.
4Productivity
If complex mechanical orientation devices are added to maximize power yield, then the power generation efficiency increases, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wind power plant uses its own six-degree-of-freedom movement capability provided by the single cable connection to automatically orient itself toward the wind for maximum power generation. This self-service orientation eliminates the need for external mechanical orientation devices, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
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
This design reduces costs, enhances operational stability, and allows for easy relocation and maintenance, ensuring the wind power plant remains optimally oriented and stable under adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cable 110, which is designed as a combination of a power line and a holding cable, in such a manner that the power line is held at least virtually without loading and that the holding cable at least substantially absorbs all of the mechanical forces occurring for holding the wind power plant at a single positionally fixed anchoring point
Implementation Method 2
a supporting unit 101, which is designed as a semi-submersible with ballast units and buoyancy units
Implementation Method 3
A coupling 112 is arranged in a single connecting point 118 between the cable 110 and the wind power plant 100
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved, in particular simpler, lighter, mechanically more stable and operationally more reliable offshore wind power plant (100) that can float. By means of a cable (110) constructed as a combination of a power line that is held at least virtually without loading and a holding cable that absorbs all the mechanical forces that occur for holding the wind power plant on a single fixed-location anchoring point (111), said power plant can be connected to the anchoring point such that the power plant can move with six degrees of freedom. A coupling (112) is arranged at a single connecting point (118) between the cable and the wind power plant and, to make an electrical connection, is constructed with a sliding coupling and, for mechanical transmission of force, is constructed with a swivel coupling. The wind power plant has a supporting unit (101) constructed as a semi-submersible having ballast units (102) and buoyancy units (103), in particular a floating unit, and a supporting mast (104) which is firmly connected to the supporting unit and has a machine gondola (105) fixedly arranged on the latter and having at least one rotor (106) and at least one electric generator. The highest possible horizontal distance is formed between the connecting point and a substantially vertical plane of rotation of the rotor.