Articulated Floating Wind Platform for Slipstream Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore floating platforms for aeolian generators face challenges such as high installation costs, difficulty in maintaining proper slipstream distances, inefficiency due to slipstream alignment, and structural complexity, limiting the installation of multiple generators on a single structure.
Innovation Solution
An articulated floating platform with vertically movable aeolian generators connected by articulated parallelograms, allowing independent vertical movement of each generator to adapt to wave motion, ensuring parallelism and reducing slipstream interference, and incorporating elastic elements for stability and anchoring systems for sea-floor attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple aeolian towers are installed on a single platform, then power output increases, but slipstream interference reduces generator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs movable connection sections that allow the aeolian towers to change their relative positions dynamically. This enables the system to adapt to varying wind conditions and maintain optimal spacing between towers, reducing slipstream interference while preserving the benefit of multiple generators on a single platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance and angular arrangement between aeolian towers are made variable through the movable connection sections. By changing these geometric parameters, the system can optimize the spacing to minimize slipstream effects while maintaining high power output from multiple towers.
2Loss of energy
If the distance between multiple aeolian towers is increased to reduce slipstream interference, then generator efficiency improves, but the platform size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable connection sections enable the platform to adjust the spacing between towers dynamically. This allows the system to achieve optimal efficiency spacing without committing to a permanently large platform structure, as the towers can be positioned closer when efficiency is less critical and spaced farther apart when efficiency is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is divided into modular sections with movable connections between them. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of tower positions, enabling efficient use of space while maintaining generator performance. The modular approach also reduces overall platform size compared to rigid structures.
3Strength
If rigid connections are used between aeolian generators, then structural strength is improved, but the platform cannot adapt to wave motion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection sections between aeolian generators are designed to be movable rather than rigid, allowing the platform to adapt its structure in response to wave motion. This dynamic capability enables the platform to flex and adjust to environmental conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection sections function similarly to flexible elements, allowing controlled movement and deformation in response to external forces (waves). This flexibility enables the platform to absorb wave energy without compromising structural strength, unlike rigid connections that would transmit full stress loads.
4Stability of the object's composition
If spar-buoy or tension-leg solutions are used, then platform stability is improved, but installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is constructed from modular, segmented components that can be assembled more easily than monolithic spar-buoy or tension-leg structures. The movable connection sections between modular units simplify installation while maintaining stability, reducing both installation difficulty and cost compared to traditional single-structure approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is an offshore floating platform comprising : a plurality of aeolian generators comprising : an aeolian tower having a longitudinal extension and provided with a first and a second end; a blade-type aeolian generator positioned at the first end; an engagement base positioned at the second end; a connection section, which joins two aeolian generators, comprising at least one connection element; wherein each engagement base is engaged with the connection element in such a way that each aeolian tower can move independently in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of longitudinal development of an aeolian tower.