Offshore Wind Monopile with Level Platform Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore wind turbine foundation installation methods are complex and costly due to the need for multiple suppliers and subcontractors, with height differences between the foundation platform and tower complicating equipment transport and requiring additional installation time and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular foundation building system for offshore wind turbines, comprising a monopile with standardized upper and customizable lower portions, an external foundation platform unit, and an internal electrical platform unit, using standardized attachment interfaces to simplify installation and reduce complexity, allowing the foundation platform to be level with the tower entrance for easier access and reducing the need for external platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subcontractors are involved in supplying monopile and transition piece, then specialized engineering skills can be applied, but the number of work handovers increases requiring much project management attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monopile and transition piece into a single integrated component supplied by one contractor. The monopile is designed with an integrated attachment interface that directly receives the tower, eliminating the need for a separate transition piece and reducing the number of subcontractors from two to one, thereby reducing work handovers and project management complexity while maintaining specialized engineering skills.
2Strength
If the foundation platform is positioned at a different level than the tower entrance, then structural requirements can be met, but transporting heavy equipment becomes complicated and additional platforms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the foundation platform at the same vertical level as the tower entrance, creating an equipotential interface. This level alignment eliminates the need for additional external platforms and staircases, allowing heavy equipment to be directly transported from the foundation platform into the tower without complex routing, while still meeting all structural requirements through the monopile's reinforced design.
3Ease of operation
If the tower lift operates from the entrance platform to a higher point, then the tower can be accessed, but additional installation time is required and third party inspection logistics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the entrance platform at the same level as the tower entrance, the patent eliminates the need for the tower lift to operate across a vertical distance. The lift can directly service the entrance platform level, significantly reducing installation time and eliminating the need for complex third-party inspection logistics that would be required if the platform were positioned at a different elevation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a foundation building system for an offshore wind turbine, whereby a monopile is configured to be placed on the seabed, having an upper portion with a first attachment interface for attaching a foundation platform unit, at least one internal, second attachment interface in an interior cavity of the monopile for attaching at least one electrical platform unit, and a third attachment interface for attaching a tower of the offshore wind turbine atop the at least one electrical platform unit, wherein the upper portion is to be placed at least partly above sea level, the foundation platform unit providing at least one foundation platform extending around the tower when installed, and the at least one electrical platform unit comprising at least one platform for electrical equipment for guiding and/or connecting of an connection cable for connecting the offshore wind turbine.