Offshore Wind Turbine Tower Assembly With Internal Lifting Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for offshore wind turbine installation face challenges such as the need for large, inflexible installation vessels and increased risks due to the number of components being transported and assembled at sea, which can lead to unsafe situations and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongate superstructure with an internal space for receiving tower sections and a horizontally and vertically displaceable engaging structure to facilitate the assembly of wind turbines on a vertically extending foundation, allowing for controlled and safe construction of wind turbines by moving tower sections into and out of the internal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the wind turbine is transported and assembled as a complete unit on a lifting platform, then the assembly is simplified, but the device complexity and vessel size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the wind turbine assembly process into modular components: a superstructure with internal space for tower sections, a horizontally displaceable supply structure for component delivery, and a vertically displaceable engaging structure for lifting. This segmentation allows each component to be handled separately rather than requiring complete turbine assembly on the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The superstructure acts as an intermediary between the foundation and the wind turbine components. It provides a stable platform with internal space where tower sections can be received and assembled in a controlled environment, mediating between the vessel and the foundation to simplify the overall assembly process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wind turbine components are transported separately to the foundation, then the transport flexibility increases, but the placing time and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple component handling operations into a single integrated system. The superstructure's internal space can accommodate multiple tower sections simultaneously, and the coordinating horizontal and vertical displacement mechanisms enable sequential assembly without requiring multiple separate operations, thus reducing total placing time while maintaining transport flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontally displaceable supply structure allows tower sections to be prepared and positioned in advance outside the internal space, then moved into position before assembly begins. This preliminary positioning reduces the time required during the actual assembly operation at the foundation.
3Power
If installation vessels are made larger with heavier lifting cranes to handle complete wind turbines, then the lifting capacity increases, but the flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented into the vertically displaceable engaging structure within the superstructure, which handles only the necessary tower sections rather than requiring a single heavy crane to lift the complete turbine. This segmentation reduces the lifting capacity requirements of the vessel while maintaining adequate power for the specific assembly task.
Solution Approach 2:
The superstructure serves multiple functions: it provides a stable platform, contains internal space for component storage and assembly, and houses the engaging structure for lifting operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy lifting equipment, preserving vessel flexibility while achieving the necessary lifting capacity through coordinated mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of components to be placed at sea is increased, then the transport flexibility improves, but the safety risks and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom: the supply structure can move horizontally to deliver components, while the engaging structure moves vertically to lift and position tower sections. These coordinated dynamic movements enable safe handling of multiple components in a controlled sequence, reducing safety risks associated with static or less flexible systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The superstructure's internal space serves as a protected intermediary environment where multiple tower sections can be received and prepared before final assembly. This intermediate staging area reduces the number of open-sea operations required, thereby minimizing safety risks while maintaining the ability to handle multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for offshore arranging of a wind turbine or components thereof on a foundation present at sea. The device includes an elongate superstructure connected releasably to the foundation and extending between a lower surface and an upper surface thereof in the vertical direction from the foundation. The superstructure has an internal space which is accessible to a tower section of the wind turbine and in which the tower section can be received. Further present is a horizontally displaceable supply structure for a tower section. The supply structure is configured to move a tower section coupled thereto from outside the internal space into the internal space by a horizontal displacement. An engaging structure, received for vertical displacement in the internal space, is configured to lift an engaged tower section in the internal space by a vertical displacement, whereby sufficient space is created under the relevant tower section for receiving another, underlying tower section in the internal space.