Offshore Jacket Platform with Intermediate Landing for Safer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing offshore foundation structures for wind turbines in deep water regions face challenges with high dynamic forces and increased load-bearing demands, and maintenance access is hazardous and physically demanding due to the need for climbing tall ladders in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An offshore foundation structure with a jacket section featuring a platform inside the jacket, a docking device for boat landing, and a gangway or lift that reduces climbing length and provides protection from wind and waves, allowing safer and easier access to the working platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tall ladder is provided for access from the boat landing to the working platform, then the structural complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety is compromised due to the exhausting and dangerous climb in harsh weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate platform at a lower level (e.g., 10-15m above water) between the boat landing and the final working platform. This intermediate platform serves as a mediator that breaks the long climbing path into shorter, safer segments. Workers can board the structure from the boat to the intermediate platform, rest in protected conditions, and then continue to the upper working platform, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring a complex direct-lift system.
2Device complexity
If a ladder extending the full height is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the harmful factors increase due to exposure to wind and waves during the entire ascent
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into distinct sections: a first section from the boat landing to the intermediate platform, and a second section from the intermediate platform to the upper working platform. The intermediate platform creates a weather-protected transition zone where workers can shelter from wind and waves. This segmentation reduces the continuous exposure to harmful weather factors while maintaining relatively simple ladder structures for each segment.
3Strength
If the platform is positioned high for optimal working access, then the load-bearing capacity requirements are reduced, but the climbing distance increases and physical strain intensifies
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate platform is positioned at an optimal height (e.g., 10-15m above water level) where it can serve as a preliminary resting point and weather-protected shelter before workers continue to the upper working platform. This preliminary action allows workers to board the structure under more favorable conditions and rest in protected conditions before completing the ascent, thereby reducing the overall physical strain without compromising the optimal positioning of the upper working platform for load-bearing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an offshore foundation structure (1) having a jacket section (2) with a plurality of struts (3) which are interconnected in a framework-like manner, and a receiving means (4) for a tower shaft, in particular for a tower shaft of a wind energy installation. According to the invention, the platform (10) is at least partially arranged in the interior of the jacket section (2). The invention further relates to a gangway and a lift for an offshore foundation structure.