Modular Floating Dock Lift Platform for Wide-Span Marine Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inadequate for the efficient launch and recovery of large and heavy marine structures, such as floating wind foundations, due to limitations in span and loading capacity, hindering the transition to offshore wind generation.
Innovation Solution
A floating dock system comprising buoyant concrete modules and hoists, with lift platforms capable of raising and lowering to facilitate the launch and recovery of marine equipment, including lift platforms with girders and chain jacks for supporting and maneuvering large loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing shiplifts are used for launching and recovering floating wind foundations, then the equipment can handle vessels that are much longer than they are wide with spans up to about 40 meters, but they are incapable of handling large and heavy marine structures with spans exceeding 35 meters and moderate loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The floating dock is divided into multiple floating modules that can be coupled together to form a platform capable of spanning distances greater than 40 meters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the necessary span capacity while maintaining the ability to handle large and heavy marine structures through modular scalability.
2Productivity
If traditional lifting equipment is used, then the assembly and deployment processes can be performed, but the rate of launch and recovery is insufficient to achieve timely transition to offshore wind generation
Solution Approach 1:
The floating wind foundation is fully assembled on the floating dock before being launched. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need for complex offshore assembly operations, significantly reducing the time required for deployment and enabling faster transition to offshore wind generation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing technologies are used for launching floating wind foundations, then some deployment capability is achieved, but the supply chain issues including availability and proximity of equipment capable of lifting offshore wind farm components persist
Solution Approach 1:
The floating dock system serves multiple functions including assembly, launching, recovery, and maintenance of offshore wind farm components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each operation, resolving supply chain availability issues and enabling timely project execution.
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
Enables the efficient assembly, deployment, maintenance, and decommissioning of offshore wind farm components, enhancing the transition to offshore wind generation by overcoming span and loading limitations of existing shiplifts.
Implementation Method 1
Cavities of the floating modules include buoyant concrete
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of hoists are coupled with the floating dock. The plurality of hoists are coupled with the lift platform and configured to raise and lower the lift platform relative to the floating dock
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for assembling, launching, retrieving, and maintaining marine vessels, structures, and equipment, including floating vessels, structures, and equipment, are disclosed. The systems include a floating dock, that can be modular or monolithic, including steel and/or concrete modules and a lift platform that can be locked to the floating dock.