Modular Offshore Wind Turbine Transition Piece Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support structures for offshore wind turbines face challenges in serial production and simple assembly due to non-modular transition piece configurations, leading to high costs and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A modular transition piece design with a harmonized lattice structure, utilizing flat manufacturing panels and automatic production methods, including orbital and robotic welding, to achieve cost-effectiveness and structural reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a non-modular transition piece configuration is used, then structural integrity can be maintained, but serial production efficiency and assembly simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transition piece is divided into modular components including a bottom cover, radial partitions, outer shell assembly, and top cover that can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically. This segmentation enables parallel production of identical modules and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular transition piece design creates universal components that can be used across different offshore wind turbine support structures. The standardized bottom cover, radial partitions, and outer shell assemblies serve multiple functions and can be produced using the same manufacturing processes, thereby improving serial production efficiency.
2Productivity
If automated production methods are implemented, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition piece components are designed with pre-defined connection interfaces and standardized geometries that facilitate automated welding and assembly. The radial partitions, outer shell assembly, and covers are configured to align automatically, reducing the precision demands on automated equipment while enabling high-speed production.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates specific geometric parameters and tolerance ranges that are optimized for automated manufacturing processes. The modular components are dimensioned to accommodate typical variations in automated welding and assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while maximizing productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with flat panels is used, then ease of manufacture and assembly improve, but structural reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular flat panel components are combined through rigid connection methods including welding and mechanical fastening to create a unified transition piece structure. The bottom cover, radial partitions, outer shell assembly, and top cover are merged into an integrated structure that maintains structural reliability while preserving the manufacturing advantages of modular flat panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition piece employs composite construction combining flat panel elements with reinforcing structures. The radial partitions and outer shell assembly create a composite framework that enhances structural rigidity and reliability while maintaining the ease of manufacture associated with flat panel components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Offshore wind turbine support structure that comprises: - a lattice structure (1) configured to have its leg pilings in the seabed, and - a transition piece (2) in contact with the offshore wind turbine tower and supported on the lattice structure (1), characterised in that the transition piece comprises: - a bottom cover (3), - a cylindrical piece (5) in contact with the tower of the wind turbine, the bottom base of which is located on the bottom cover (3) of the transition piece and centred on it (3), - some radial partitions (4) located on the bottom cover (3) and perpendicular to it (3), - a top cover (6) parallel to the bottom cover (3) and located on the radial partitions (4). - an outer shell assembly (7) that circumvents the free ends of the radial partitions (4).