Offshore Wind Turbine Assembly Using Tripod-Supported Vertical Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing offshore wind turbine jackets are expensive and time-consuming, particularly due to the challenges of wave-induced motion and high center of gravity, which are not effectively addressed by current vertical transport and assembly systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves pre-assembling the superstructure on a double-pontoon vessel, using a tripod support system with hydraulic lifting, mooring, and damping systems to stabilize and couple the superstructure to a pre-anchored jacket, reducing sea motion impacts and overturning moments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If jack-up vessels are used to install jacket substructures, then installation reliability is improved, but installation cost increases significantly and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine system is divided into two separate parts: the jacket substructure installed first using conventional jack-up vessels, and the superstructure pre-assembled on a different type of vessel (semi-submersible or spar platform). This segmentation allows each vessel type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall installation cost and time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The superstructure is pre-assembled on the transport vessel before reaching the installation location. This preliminary assembly includes installing the tower, nacelle, and blades in sequence while the vessel is in a stable position, eliminating the need for complex offshore assembly operations and reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the superstructure is vertically transported on a double-pontoon vessel, then transport capability is improved, but vessel stability deteriorates due to wave-induced motion and high center of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidvessel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Ballast tanks are used to counterbalance the high center of gravity of the vertically positioned superstructure. By adjusting the ballast distribution, the vessel maintains adequate stability margins despite the top-heavy configuration during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

Shock-absorbing elements and damping systems are pre-installed on the vessel to mitigate wave-induced motions before they affect the superstructure. These systems include hydraulic dampers and flexible mounting points that reduce the transmission of sea state effects to the transported load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the superstructure is assembled directly on the jacket at sea, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation time increases and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces installation costs by up to 30% and time, enabling WTG installation at greater depths, improving equipment availability and reducing operations at sea.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting and lowering of the superstructure can be performed with hydraulic elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The method includes shock-absorbing elements and a coupling and damping system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4715198A1Method for assembling an offshore wind turbine and systems associated with the assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 NABRAWIND TECH SL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assembling an offshore wind turbine that is separated in two parts that are pre-assembled in a port: a jacket-type lattice structure (15) anchored to the seabed with a foundation and a superstructure that includes a transition piece (4), a tower (1), a nacelle (2) and blades (3) transported floating in a vertical position. Tripod supports (5) are anchored on the double-pontoon vessel (8) that is braced (9) at the bow and stern, and a triangle (7) supporting the superstructure is disposed in the tripod supports. During the transport phase, the hydraulics (14) included in the inside the tripod supports (5) are retracted, the movable parts are connected by a bolted joint, and the vessel (8) is ballasted. Once the positioning of the jacked (15) has been carried out, both parts are fastened by moorings (16), movement limiters (18) and impact limiters (18'), the load is transferred with the lowering of the hydraulic cylinders (14), and contact occurs between the upper portion of the jacket (15) and the receiver of the passive coupling system (23). Once the assembly is complete, the passive coupling system (23) arranged on the transition piece is recovered, the triangle (7) is dismantled, and the bracing (9) of the stern is folded down or removed to release the vessel (8).