Floating Wind Turbine Repositioning to Reduce Wake Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) face challenges in mitigating wake-induced turbulence and vortex-induced vibrations, which lead to mechanical fatigue and damage, as conventional methods are complex, require complex wake interaction models, and often prioritize power output over load mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that dynamically repositions FOWTs by measuring load variability at different locations, comparing these values, and moving the turbine horizontally to reduce turbulence effects, using sensors and mooring lines to adjust its position and minimize wake-induced disturbances, thereby reducing mechanical loads and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If FOWTs are placed closer together to maximize wind farm density, then productivity increases, but wake-induced turbulence and vortex-induced vibrations increase leading to higher mechanical fatigue and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the FOWT position adjustable rather than fixed. The floating platform can dynamically reposition itself horizontally along the x-axis to escape from wake regions of upstream turbines. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to changing wake conditions while maintaining optimal power generation, resolving the contradiction between high density placement and wake-induced turbulence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wake mitigation methods using complex wake interaction models are used, then wake-induced turbulence effects are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an autonomous control system that uses sensors (LIDAR, anemometers, accelerometers) to detect wake conditions and automatically adjusts the FOWT position without requiring complex external wake interaction models. The system self-regulates by measuring actual turbulence and vibration levels, then repositioning to minimize exposure, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If FOWTs are repositioned dynamically to avoid wake regions, then mechanical fatigue and damage are reduced, but device complexity increases due to positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mooring system to serve multiple functions: it provides both the structural mooring function and the dynamic positioning function simultaneously. The same mooring lines and actuators used for platform stabilization are also employed for wake avoidance repositioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If deliberate yaw offset is used to mitigate wake-interference, then wake effects are reduced, but other operational issues and problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional yaw angle adjustment to three-dimensional spatial repositioning. Instead of rotating the turbine to offset wake effects, the entire platform moves horizontally along the x-axis to escape the wake region entirely. This dimensional change allows wake mitigation without compromising operational stability or introducing yaw-related problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repositioning a floating offshore wind turbine located at a current offshore position and having rotor blades rotating in a rotor blade plane includes: measuring a first value of a variability of a load related to a first location at the wind turbine; measuring a second value of a variability of a load related to a second location at the wind turbine; comparing the first value with the second value; and moving the wind turbine along a direction depending on the comparison and in particular further depending on the first location relative to the second location.