Offshore Wind Platform Box Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of steel tubular frameworks for off-shore wind turbine working platforms is labor-intensive, prone to weld distortion, and requires over-dimensioned materials for corrosion resistance, leading to high costs and maintenance challenges due to complex structures and irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A box-like working platform design using impermeable top, bottom, and side plates with inner beams arranged in a grid pattern, forming a self-supporting structure that minimizes water exposure and reduces material thickness, allowing for simpler coating and maintenance, with only the plate connections requiring full penetration welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel tubular framework is used for the working platform, then the platform has the necessary strength and stiffness, but the manufacturing process becomes very labor-intensive and prone to weld distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components (deck panels, support structures, railing sections) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together, reducing the complexity of manufacturing each individual component while maintaining overall structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of building up a framework and adding plates, the invention inverts the approach by using a plate-based structure where the deck panels and support structures are configured to provide strength through their arrangement and connections rather than through heavy welding of tubular elements
2Reliability
If full penetration welding is used to ensure corrosion resistance, then the platform meets corrosion requirements, but weld distortion occurs and the process becomes even more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Different connection methods are used in different locations: critical corrosion-prone areas use full penetration welding with proper preparation, while less critical areas use simpler connections, allowing corrosion resistance to be applied locally where needed rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
Welding preparations such as beveling and positioning are performed in advance before final assembly, allowing for better control of the welding process and reduced distortion during actual construction
3Reliability
If the steel thickness is over-dimensioned for corrosion resistance, then the platform withstands extreme weather conditions, but material cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different steel thicknesses are applied to different parts of the platform based on their specific requirements: thicker sections are used in high-stress or high-corrosion areas, while thinner sections are used in less demanding areas, optimizing material usage while maintaining overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The platform uses composite construction combining steel elements with protective coatings and potentially other materials to achieve corrosion resistance without requiring excessive steel thickness throughout the entire structure
4Strength
If a complex tubular framework structure is used, then the platform meets structural requirements, but the coating process becomes labor-intensive and inspection becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The platform structure is segmented into standardized modular components with uniform surfaces that are easier to coat consistently, and the modular nature allows for pre-coating of components before assembly, reducing on-site coating requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of coating a complex tubular framework, the invention uses a plate-based structure where large flat surfaces are inherently easier to coat uniformly and inspect, inverting the traditional approach of coating complex geometries
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A working platform (100) for installation on an off-shore wind turbine is disclosed. The working platform comprises an impermeable top plate (120) forming a top side (124) of the working platform when installed, an impermeable bottom plate (121) forming a bottom side (123) of the working platform when installed and one or more impermeable side plates (130, 131, 132) The impermeable top (120), bottom (121) and side plates (130, 131, 132) are further arranged together to form an enclosed space impervious to water.