Modular Gravity Base Foundation for Offshore Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foundation solutions for offshore and onshore wind turbines, such as monopiles and concrete gravity bases, are economically and environmentally inefficient due to high material usage, labor-intensive construction, and environmental impact, particularly in deep waters and harsh seabed conditions, requiring large cranes and quays with high load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A gravity base system comprising a structurally independent base structure and ballast confiner, which allows for the use of local site materials, reduces the need for heavy lift vessels, and can be fabricated in parallel, enabling faster deployment and decommissioning, with the ballast confiner providing stability against horizontal loads and overturning moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional monopiles are used for large offshore wind turbines, then the foundation can support the structure, but the diameter, length and wall thickness become very large making fabrication, lifting, transportation, up-ending and driving expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into separate modular components: a base structure, ballast containers, and a support structure. These modules can be manufactured independently at different locations and then assembled together, avoiding the need to fabricate a single massive monopile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation uses composite construction combining concrete base structure with steel ballast containers and support elements. This allows optimization of each component's material properties and simplifies manufacturing compared to a monolithic steel or concrete structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional gravity-based foundations are used, then stability against overturning moments is achieved, but massive concrete volume and high weight require large cranes and quays with high load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system is segmented into removable containers that can be filled and emptied. This allows the foundation to achieve necessary weight for stability during operation while enabling lighter weight during transportation and installation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast containers can be dynamically filled or emptied to adjust the foundation's weight and stability characteristics. During installation, containers are empty for easier handling; during operation, they are filled to provide necessary stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional foundations are used, then the structure is stable, but construction is labor-intensive and environmentally impactfull
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows parallel fabrication of multiple components at different locations, reducing overall construction time. Components are assembled through standardized connections rather than labor-intensive on-site construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Ballast containers are pre-filled with ballast material before installation, and the base structure is prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction activities and associated environmental impacts.
4Strength
If monopiles with large dimensions are used for 15-megawatt turbines, then the load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but the cost and difficulty of fabrication, lifting, transportation and driving increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation structure is segmented into a base, ballast containers, and support structure, allowing optimized material distribution. This avoids the excessive material usage of a monolithic monopile while maintaining necessary load-bearing capacity through strategic placement of ballast and structural elements.
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 gravity base system is more economical, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to various seabed conditions, reducing noise and material costs, while allowing for easier installation and decommissioning, and can be used as an artificial reef to promote biodiversity.
Implementation Method 1
The downward force due to the weight of the foundation together with the structure, resists the overturning moment
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity base (1) for supporting a superstructure (2), comprising a base structure (100), wherein the base structure is configured to be arranged on a supporting media (3) and is configured to be connected to the superstructure (2) or to a support structure (300) which is configured to be arranged between the superstructure and the base structure, and wherein the support structure is configured to be connected to the superstructure; a ballast confiner (200), wherein the ballast confiner is configured to be filled with a ballast material (250), wherein the ballast confiner (200) is configured to confine the ballast (250) on the base structure (100), wherein the base structure and the ballast confiner are structurally independent.