Movable Pile Holder Layout for Offshore Deck Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pile holding systems for offshore wind turbine installations face challenges with larger, heavier piles, requiring more efficient use of deck space and faster installation processes, while also needing to accommodate larger water depths and heavier foundations.
Innovation Solution
A pile holding system with a pivotable base structure and jaws that can move between inboard and outboard positions, allowing for minimal footprint and efficient storage, along with pile engaging devices like rollers for precise pile orientation and rotation, and a control system for active motion compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pile holder is positioned outboard to support the pile during driving, then the pile can be held in an upright position at the installation location, but the deck space usage increases and the vessel mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pile holder is designed to be movable between an outboard position for pile support and an inboard storage position. The support system includes a movable carriage that can translate the pile holder along the deck, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the system based on operational needs versus storage requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the pile holder is removed by crane when not in use, then deck space is freed, but the installation process becomes more elaborate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pile holder is equipped with self-contained pile engaging devices including rollers and engaging elements that can automatically engage and release the pile. The movable carriage system allows the pile holder to be repositioned without requiring external crane assistance, enabling the system to service itself during deployment and storage operations.
3Area of stationary object
If the pile holder is folded along the hull to reduce footprint, then deck space is optimized, but the frame becomes more elaborate and the pile holder is positioned farther from the hull requiring heavier support
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components including a base structure fixed to the deck, a movable carriage that travels along the base, and the pile holder assembly. This segmentation allows the pile holder to be repositioned along the deck without requiring a complex folded frame structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining space efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If larger and heavier piles are used to support offshore wind turbines at greater water depths, then the capability to install larger wind turbines is improved, but the deck space requirements and support system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the deck by positioning the pile holder at the stern and allowing it to extend outward perpendicular to the hull. This three-dimensional arrangement allows heavy piles to be supported without increasing the footprint on the deck surface, as the load is distributed along the length of the vessel rather than concentrating on deck area.
Data Source
AI summary
A pile holding system configured to support the pile in an upright position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. The pile holding system includes a pile holder and a pile holder support system. The pile holder support system is configured to be mounted on the deck of the vessel, to moveably support the pile holder, and to move the pile holder in a first direction between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pile holder, when in the outboard position, is located outside the contour of the vessel, for holding the pile in the upright position at the installation location. The pile holder, when in the inboard position with the first and second jaw in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel.