Monopile Erection Using Tension Cable Winching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for erecting large slender bodies, such as monopiles for offshore wind turbines, are time-consuming and expensive due to their vast dimensions, requiring significant handling time and resources, especially when using jack-up platforms with cranes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a jack-up platform with spud poles, tension cables, and fixation means, including winches and pulleys, to efficiently lift and position the monopile by attaching tension cables to the monopile and using guiding means to gradually bring it into an upright position, reducing the need for large cranes and minimizing handling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a jack-up platform with a large crane is used to erect the monopile, then the monopile can be handled and positioned, but the operation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The erection process is divided into multiple stages: initial positioning with the crane, then gradual uplifting using tension cables and winches. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting to be distributed over time rather than requiring one massive crane operation, reducing overall erection time while maintaining handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monopile is first positioned horizontally near the platform using the crane, and closure caps are installed to enable floating. These preliminary actions prepare the monopile for the subsequent cable-based uplifting process, allowing the time-consuming crane work to be done only for initial positioning rather than the entire erection
2Ease of operation
If traditional crane methods are used, then the monopile can be erected, but the process requires significant resources and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The complex crane lifting function is extracted and replaced by a simpler cable-winching system. The tension cables attached to the monopile can be winched in to gradually uplift it, removing the need for a massive crane capable of lifting the entire monopile weight at once, thus reducing equipment complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If the monopile is transported horizontally and then erected, then it can be moved from shore to platform, but the process takes 5-7 days
Solution Approach 1:
The monopile transitions from a static horizontal floating position to a dynamic uplifting process. By attaching tension cables and using winches to gradually pull the monopile upward, the system creates a controlled dynamic movement that is faster than traditional crane erection, reducing the overall time from transport to final vertical position
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required for erecting monopiles, enhances load-bearing capacity, and is less dependent on weather conditions, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a jack-up platform provided with spud poles for taking support onto an underwater bottom
Implementation Method 2
the fixation means being adapted to lengthen or shorten the tension cable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for erecting at sea a large slender body, such as the monopile of a wind turbine. The method comprises bringing the large slender body in a substantially horizontal floating condition at least partly underneath the work deck of a platform, attaching a tension cable to the slender body, and pulling on the tension cable using fixations means and guiding means that are provided at an edge of the work deck and are connected to it to gradually bring the slender body in an erected position along the edge of the work deck. The slender body is optionally driven into the under water bottom. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method. The method is reliable and obviates the use of large cranes.