Modular Floating Wind Platform Assembly via Self-Erecting Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of offshore wind resources in deep water is hindered by the high costs and inefficiencies in the manufacturing, assembly, transport, and installation of floating wind platforms, which require significant improvements to be economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A method for constructing self-erecting lift structures and assembling offshore wind turbine systems using standard designs for sections, submersible barges for assembly, and modular lift structures to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the construction and installation of floating wind platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to manufacture, assemble, transport, and install floating wind platforms, then the platforms can be constructed, but the costs are high and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The floating wind platform is divided into modular sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The lift structure is segmented into multiple segments that can be transported and assembled at the installation location. This segmentation enables parallel manufacturing processes and reduces the complexity of transporting single large components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections and lift structure segments are pre-manufactured and pre-assembled before transport to the installation location. This preliminary action allows for optimized manufacturing processes, quality control, and reduces on-site construction time and costs.
2Productivity
If floating wind platforms are constructed using traditional assembly methods, then the platforms can be installed, but transportation costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The platform and lift structure are divided into smaller modular segments that can be transported more efficiently. These segments can be assembled at the installation location, reducing the size and cost of transportation compared to moving single large complete platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift structure segments are designed to be assembled in a vertical configuration, transitioning from horizontal transport to vertical assembly. This dimensional change allows for more efficient use of transportation space and reduces the overall transportation volume required.
3Ease of manufacture
If a self-erecting lift structure is used, then assembly costs and labor requirements are reduced, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift structure is designed to be self-erecting, where the segments are assembled in place without requiring external heavy lifting equipment. The structure uses its own segments and buoyancy principles to raise itself into the vertical configuration, eliminating the need for complex external lifting systems and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A temporary intermediate structure or platform is used during the assembly process to facilitate the self-erecting mechanism. This intermediary element helps guide the assembly process and provides temporary support until the lift structure is fully assembled and operational.
4Productivity
If multiple floating wind platforms are assembled rapidly, then commercialization becomes more viable, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized modular sections and pre-designed lift structure segments enable rapid assembly through standardized connection procedures. This segmentation allows for parallel assembly operations and reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple platforms, as each follows the same assembly protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections and lift structure segments are designed with universal connection interfaces that can be used across multiple platforms. This universality simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for custom connection methods for each platform, enabling rapid replication and assembly of multiple units.
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 proposed method significantly reduces labor costs, minimizes transportation costs, and allows for the rapid assembly and installation of multiple floating wind platforms, making the commercialization of offshore wind resources more economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
submerging the barge so that the floating vessel floats horizontally on the sea surface
Implementation Method 2
lowering the floating vessel so that the floating vessel connects to an installation base provided on the seafloor
Data Source
AI summary
Delivery of a high volume of floating systems for wind turbines can make floating wind economic. The delivery can involve the standard design of sections, such as “tubes” or “cans,” comprising a rolled plate and ring stiffeners. The delivery can then involve the transportation of the sections in block to an assembly site that is closer to the planned installation point. The sections are used to manufacture floating vessels, such as semi-submersibles, buoyant towers, and/or spars, at the assembly site, which can include a barge with cranes. For semi-submersibles, the delivery can then involve the installation of the Tower, the nacelle, and blades using the barge cranes. Alternatively, for spars or buoyant towers, the nacelle and blades can be installed at an off-shore location using a platform, such as a standard jack-up vessel or a crane jacket.