Matrix Rig Wind Turbines With Interchangeable Propellers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind technology faces challenges with high drag and reduced energy production due to the design of multi-rotor systems, where the funnel openings are larger than the turbine propellers, leading to inefficient wind energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
The system employs interchangeable wind turbine generators with propeller blades that form a densest possible seal, allowing the blades to rotate in overlapping planes, increasing the usable wind field for power production, and using hinged blades to accommodate longer lengths than the opening space allows, with energy transport via insulating pipes and high-voltage DC connection for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the funnel opening is made larger to accommodate multiple turbines, then the wind field capture area is increased, but the drag on the rig structure increases and energy production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wind energy conversion function into multiple independent turbine units arranged in a matrix pattern. Each turbine operates independently within its designated opening, allowing the rig to capture wind energy across a larger area without requiring a single oversized funnel that would create excessive drag. The segmentation of the wind field into multiple manageable zones enables optimized performance.
2Area of moving object
If the propeller blade length is increased to capture more wind energy, then the rotational plane area is increased, but the blades cannot be properly inserted through the rig opening
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blades are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to be inserted at specific angles and then rotated into their operational plane. The blades can be positioned temporarily in a compact configuration for insertion through the opening, then dynamically adjusted to their full operational orientation where they capture maximum wind energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the conflict between blade length and insertion feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine generators are made interchangeable and movable, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow different turbine generator units to be interchangeably installed in any opening of the matrix rig. The standardized mounting structure provides multi-functionality, supporting both the mechanical attachment and the electrical connection systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the interchangeability requirement.
4Productivity
If the propeller blades are positioned to form overlapping rotational planes, then the wind field utilization is increased, but the structural arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix rig employs asymmetric positioning of turbine units within each opening, where propeller blades are oriented at different angles and positions. This asymmetric arrangement creates overlapping rotational planes that maximize wind field capture by eliminating gaps and reducing turbulence between adjacent turbines. The asymmetric design achieves high productivity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through systematic variation rather than complete symmetry.
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 configuration significantly increases the proportion of wind energy converted to power, reduces unproductive wind fields, and minimizes energy losses during transport, enhancing overall energy production and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each turbine in the rig is located in approximately square or rectangular openings (light openings) in the rig and a funnel tapers the wind stream so that all wind must pass through the circular hole where the turbine with its turbine blades sits
Implementation Method 2
system for electric energy transport from the matrix rig and down to the underlying deck and further system for electric energy transport from several units and into land
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a construction of a wind turbine comprising a frame (10) on a floating pontoon (1,2,3) wherein the frame is constructed as a lattice rig (10) upright on the pontoon (1,2,3) forming a plurality of rectangular or square openings in the rig (10) for receiving respective interchangeable wind turbine generators (12) with associated drive propellers (14) driven by incoming wind (40), and each wind turbine generator (12) being arranged to travel up the rear of the rig ( 10) and through the openings towards the front of the rig (11). The wind power plant is characterized in that each turbine generator (12, 14) comprises one or more pairs of propeller blades (14a, b) forming a propeller set (14) having a blade diameter defining the turbine rotational plane (30), each propeller set (14) is arranged at a distance from the front side (11) of the rig (10), to be rotated by the incoming wind (40) towards the rig (10). There is also described a method for mounting turbines with associated propeller sets and openings in the rig, respectively.