Floating Wind Turbine Support with Buoyant System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore wind turbine installations using either monopiles or jackets face limitations such as high costs, size constraints, and installation challenges, particularly in deeper waters where jackets are more expensive and monopiles are too large or expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
A floating wind turbine assembly comprising an elongated support with a tubular casing and a buoyant system surrounding it, along with anchoring and connecting members, allowing the assembly to float and support the wind turbine, thereby reducing the need for large or expensive foundation structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If jackets are used to support wind turbines in deep water, then the structure can withstand large horizontal and vertical efforts and access large water depths, but the cost becomes significantly higher and manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments (first support structure and second support structure) that can be manufactured separately and assembled offshore. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing of each segment while maintaining the overall strength required to withstand large horizontal and vertical efforts in deep water.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant system is positioned inside the tubular casing of the support structure, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the buoyant system to provide stability and flotation without requiring a larger external structure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary strength to access large water depths.
2Ease of manufacture
If monopiles are used for serial installation, then the cost per installed MW is significantly less than jackets, but the maximum diameter is limited to around 10-11m and they are limited to shallow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a buoyant system that provides dynamic stability and flotation capabilities, allowing the structure to adapt to different water depths. This dynamic element enables the monopile-style structure to be deployed in deeper waters where traditional fixed monopiles would be too slender and unstable, thereby extending the adaptability range while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the stability parameter from relying solely on the monopile's own weight and embedment depth to incorporating a buoyant system that provides active stability through buoyancy forces. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain stability in deeper waters without increasing the diameter beyond the economically viable 10-11m range.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger diameter monopiles are used to increase stability, then the structure can support wind turbines in deeper water, but the weight increases and handling and transport become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant system acts as a counterweight that provides upward buoyancy forces to stabilize the support structure in water. This counterbalances the gravitational forces and reduces the need for excessive structural weight to achieve stability, allowing the monopile to remain within the 10-11m diameter range while still being stable in deeper waters.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant system serves as an intermediary element between the monopile and the surrounding water, providing the necessary stability and flotation without requiring the monopile itself to be heavier or larger. This intermediary component handles the stability function, keeping the main structural weight manageable for transport and installation.
4Length of stationary object
If jackets are used to access large water depths, then the structure can reach deeper areas, but the weight is proportional to the cube of the water depth making installation more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant system provides upward buoyancy forces that counteract the weight of the support structure. This allows the structure to access large water depths without the weight increasing proportionally to the cube of the water depth, as the buoyant system compensates for the additional weight required to reach greater depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components that can be manufactured and assembled in stages. This segmentation allows the structure to reach large water depths without requiring a single monolithic structure whose weight would cube with depth, as each segment can be optimized and assembled progressively.
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 solution reduces the cost of offshore electricity production by allowing the use of smaller and less expensive tubular casings, simplifying installation, and enabling operation in deeper waters without the need for complex anchoring structures.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant system surrounding a tubular casing of the support around the axis, the buoyant system being intended for floating under a surface of the body of water
Implementation Method 2
the body of water being intended to apply a first upward force on the support
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of anchoring members, a first plurality of connecting members connected to an anchoring portion of the support on the one hand, and respectively to at least some of the anchoring members on the other hand, the first plurality of connecting members being intended to be tensioned by the support
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An assembly (10) for producing offshore electricity comprising: - a wind turbine (12), - an elongated support (14) extending along an axis (Z) intended to be vertical, and adapted for floating on a body of water (16), - a buoyant system (18) surrounding a tubular casing (20) of the support around the axis, intended for floating in the body of water, and vertically free with respect to the support, - a plurality of anchoring members (24), - a first plurality of connecting members (26) connected to an anchoring portion (28) of the support and to at least some of the anchoring members, the first plurality of connecting members (26) being intended to be tensioned by the support, - a second plurality of connecting members (30) connected to the buoyant system and to at least some of the anchoring members, the second plurality of connecting members being intended to be tensioned by the buoyant system.