Self-Stabilizing Floating Wind Turbine Using Tuned Mass Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating offshore wind turbines lack stabilization due to the absence of a fixed anchor, leading to vibrations from water waves and wind loads, which poses a risk to the turbines.
Innovation Solution
A self-stabilizing floating wind turbine assembly using a smart tuned mass damper/tuned vibration absorber system, comprising a hollow moving mass with a pump and sensors, adjusts its natural frequency to match the excitation frequency, equalizing inertial forces without a fixed anchor, and optionally includes a second beam anchor and spring system for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed anchor is used to stabilize the wind turbine, then vibration stability is improved, but installation depth is limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic tuning mass damper system where the tuning mass can be dynamically adjusted in position along the spar buoy. The controller modifies the tuning mass position based on real-time vibration frequency detection from accelerometers, allowing the system to adapt to varying wave conditions and maintain stability without a fixed anchor. This dynamic adjustment enables operation at unlimited water depths while maintaining vibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the natural frequency parameter of the spar buoy by adjusting the position of the tuning mass along the buoy structure. By varying the mass position, the system tunes the natural frequency to match or counteract excitation frequencies from waves and wind, thereby controlling vibrations without requiring a fixed anchor system that would limit installation depth.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed anchor is used to stabilize the wind turbine, then vibration stability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fixed anchor component from the traditional wind turbine installation system. Instead of using a fixed anchor to provide stability, the system employs a self-contained dynamic tuning mass damper that actively counteracts vibrations. This removal of the anchor system reduces installation complexity and cost while enabling deployment at unlimited water depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-regulating through automatic feedback control. Accelerometers detect vibration frequencies, the controller processes this data to determine optimal tuning mass position, and the system automatically adjusts the mass location to maintain stability. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external anchor systems and reduces overall system cost.
3Length of moving object
If a dynamic tuning mass system is used without a fixed anchor, then installation depth is unlimited and cost is reduced, but vibration control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs closed-loop feedback control where accelerometers continuously monitor vibration frequencies of the spar buoy. The controller receives this feedback data, calculates the optimal tuning mass position to counteract detected vibrations, and commands the mass positioning mechanism to adjust accordingly. This feedback loop automatically manages the complexity of vibration control without requiring complex mechanical anchor systems.
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 system effectively stabilizes wind turbines in deep water without a fixed anchor, reducing costs and mitigating vibrations, allowing for installation in unlimited water depths.
Implementation Method 1
A floating wind turbine assembly is configured to self-stabilize in water without a fixed anchor using a smart tuned mass damper/tuned vibration absorber
Implementation Method 2
A first plurality of sensors is arranged proximate the turbine shaft. A second plurality of sensors is arranged on the turbine shaft. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first plurality of sensors, the second plurality of sensors, the hollow moving mass, and the pump
Implementation Method 3
receive a movement data from the plurality of sensors. Then, determine the excitation frequency from the movement data. Next, receive a natural frequency data from the second plurality of sensors. After that, determine the natural frequency of the wind turbine from the natural frequency data
Implementation Method 4
When the natural frequency equals the excitation frequency inertial forces in a sea state of the water and the wind turbine equalize in order to stabilize the wind turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A floating wind turbine assembly, configured to self-stabilize in water without a fixed anchor. The floating wind turbine assembly has a wind turbine, joined to a turbine shaft. A beam anchor is joined to the turbine shaft. A hollow moving mass, arranged around the beam anchor, such that the hollow moving mass can be moved up or down the beam anchor. The hollow moving mass includes a pump, having a pump first end connected to the water with a first pump hose and a pump second end arranged within the hollow moving mass with a second pump hose.