Modular Internal Platform Support Structure for Offshore Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture of internal platform support structures for offshore wind turbines is challenging due to the need for custom designs, skilled labor, and varying structural elements, leading to high costs and material wastage, especially when installed in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular internal platform support structure assembled using specifically designed structural elements connected by fasteners, made from readily available materials like galvanized steel sheet metal, which can be easily manufactured and assembled, reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard steel I-beams are welded together to form SIP structures, then structural strength and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring skilled labor and custom designs
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular components (vertical posts, horizontal beams, platforms) that can be manufactured separately using standardized elements and assembled together using simple connectors, eliminating the need for complex welding operations while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, skill-intensive welding operations with inexpensive, simple connector assemblies that can be installed by unskilled labor, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while achieving sufficient structural strength for the application
2Adaptability or versatility
If SIP structures are customized for each region with locally available materials, then adaptability to local conditions is improved, but supply chain complexity and maintenance consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs universal standardized components (uniform posts, beams, and connectors) that can be used in any location, creating a single global supply chain while allowing the same modular system to be adapted to different regional requirements through configuration rather than customization of components
3Reliability
If conventional welding processes are used to assemble SIP structures, then structural reliability is improved, but assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural components are pre-assembled into modular units with connectors attached beforehand, allowing rapid on-site assembly by simply connecting the pre-prepared modules together, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliability through standardized connection designs
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows unskilled workers to assemble the structure themselves without requiring skilled welders, making the assembly process self-serviceable and dramatically reducing both labor cost and assembly time while achieving sufficient structural reliability for the application
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An internal platform support structure (20) for an offshore foundation structure, such as a wind turbine foundation. The internal platform support structure (20) comprising a plurality of structural elements (30, 40) for supporting a platform within the foundation structure interior. The plurality of structural elements (30, 40) is configured to be assembled together and connected by fasteners (24).