Offshore Wind Turbine Brace Assembly With Dual Grouted Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling offshore structures, particularly for large wind turbines, face challenges in creating grouted connections at both ends of tubular segments, leading to complex construction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assembly of a wind turbine support structure with tubular braces, where one end of each brace is inserted into a cavity and then lifted to fit deeply, followed by grouting to create stable connections, allowing for versatile and simple assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If grid segments are interconnected by grouted connections at one end only, then assembly is simpler, but the opposite end cannot be fixed by grouted connection leading to reduced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting temporary spacers into the cavities before the grouting process. These spacers are placed in advance to maintain proper positioning and alignment of the tubular segments during assembly, enabling both ends to be prepared for grouted connections while keeping the assembly process manageable. The spacers are removed after grouting is complete, leaving stable fixed connections at both ends.
2Stability of the object's composition
If grouted connections are provided at both ends of tubular segments, then stability is enhanced, but the construction procedure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection process into distinct phases: first inserting spacers at both ends, then performing grouting operations. This segmentation of the construction procedure into manageable steps reduces overall complexity while achieving stable connections at both ends of tubular segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporary spacers as intermediary elements during the assembly process. These spacers facilitate the grouted connection by maintaining proper positioning and alignment, making the complex task of creating both-end connections more manageable. The spacers are removed after serving their intermediary function, leaving the final stable structure.
3Strength
If tubular segments are made larger to support modern large wind turbines, then load-bearing capacity increases, but insertion into cavities becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting temporary spacers into the cavities before the grouting process. These spacers are placed in advance to maintain proper positioning and alignment of the tubular segments during assembly, enabling both ends to be prepared for grouted connections while keeping the assembly process manageable. The spacers are removed after grouting is complete, leaving stable fixed connections at both ends.
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 method simplifies the assembly process by enabling grouted connections at both ends of tubular segments, enhancing stability and reducing complexity in constructing offshore platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The first brace or the tower support has a casting cavity for accommodating an end of the corresponding second brace. In order to assemble the construction, the second brace is inserted into the cavity, after which the end of the first brace is lifted until the end part of the second brace is inserted deeply enough into the respective cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
In the assembly of the support structure of a wind turbine, N sets of a first tubular brace and a second tubular brace extend from a tower support. For each set, the second braces are connected at one or both of their end parts by a casted connection. The first brace or the tower structure has a casting cavity for accommodating an end of the corresponding second brace. In order to assemble the construction, the second brace is inserted into the cavity, after which the end of the first brace is lifted until the end of the second brace is inserted deeply enough into the respective cavity.