Off-Center Floating Platform Layout for Shallow-Port Turbine Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Triangular floating platforms for offshore wind turbines face challenges in assembly due to the need for a crane to reach the center of the platform, which is cumbersome and requires significant ballasting to balance the turbine weight, leading to an undesirable draft that limits port availability.
Innovation Solution
A triangular floating platform design with the wind turbine tower positioned off-center near the baseline, supported by two buoyancy modules, reducing crane reach and ballasting needs, allowing installation in shallower waters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines are used, then stable power generation is achieved, but installation location is limited to shallow waters with water depth of less than 50 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed-bottom turbines to floating platform turbines with dynamic mooring systems. The floating platform can move with waves and currents while maintaining operational stability through dynamic positioning, enabling deployment in deep waters beyond the 50-meter limitation of fixed-bottom systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform acts as an intermediary between the turbine and the seabed. Instead of directly anchoring the turbine to the bottom, the platform provides a floating base that can be moored with chains or cables, allowing the turbine to operate in deep waters where direct fixation is not feasible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating platform technology is developed, then installation location is extended to deep waters, but platform stability in rough seas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight mechanisms to stabilize the floating platform. Ballast tanks filled with water or concrete weights are used to lower the center of gravity and counteract the destabilizing effects of waves and winds, maintaining platform stability in rough seas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates active stabilization systems with sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor platform motion and adjust ballast distribution or mooring tensions in real-time. This feedback control compensates for external disturbances and maintains platform stability dynamically.
3Stability of the object's composition
If floating platform with active stabilization is used, then platform stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive stabilization features such as carefully designed hull forms with inherent stability, distributed ballast systems that automatically adjust with wave cycles, and passive dampers that dissipate energy without active control. These self-service mechanisms reduce stability without requiring complex active systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes platform dimensions, draft, and ballast distribution parameters during design to achieve adequate stability with minimal active intervention. By carefully selecting geometric and mass distribution parameters, the platform achieves acceptable stability levels without complex stabilization equipment.
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 configuration minimizes crane outreach and ballasting requirements, enabling installation of large-scale turbines in ports with limited depth, maintaining a moderate draft and expanding port accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a floating platform (110) on which the wind turbine (101) is mounted
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An offshore wind turbine system comprising a wind turbine (8) in combination with a floating platform (1). The platform (1) comprises three buoyancy modules (6) in comers (5 A, 5B, 5C) of a triangular configuration. The tower (2) is located off-centered near a baseline (3) of the triangle midway between two buoyancy modules (6) that are located at the ends of the baseline.