Offshore Wind Platform with Kite and Rotor Hybrid System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore wind energy infrastructure faces challenges with heavy floating cells required for stability and low energy production efficiency due to limited operational hours compared to downtime.
Innovation Solution
Combining a wind generator with a troposphere wind generator using kites and an anchoring system that balances wind and kite-induced forces, allowing for lighter and more efficient energy production by integrating a rotation enabling element and ailerons to stabilize and optimize energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy floating cell is used to lower the barycentre and balance wind straining force, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using ballast tanks and adjustable weights in the floating cell to lower the barycentre and balance the overturning moment caused by wind forces on the rotor and tower, thereby achieving stability without excessive structural weight
Solution Approach 2:
The floating cell is divided into multiple compartments with independent ballast tanks, allowing separate control of different sections to optimize stability and adjust to varying wind conditions without requiring a monolithic heavy structure
2Power
If a rotor-based wind generator is used, then energy conversion is achieved, but operational hours are limited compared to plant stop hours, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two wind energy conversion systems: a traditional rotor-based generator and a kite-based troposphere generator. The rotor operates at lower altitudes while kites operate in the troposphere, allowing both systems to function simultaneously or alternately to maximize operational hours and energy production
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between rotor operation and kite operation based on wind conditions. When surface winds are insufficient, kites are deployed to higher altitudes where stronger winds exist, maintaining continuous power generation and improving overall productivity
3Productivity
If kites are added to increase operational time band, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform serves multiple functions: it supports the rotor-based generator, houses the control systems for both rotor and kite operations, provides ballast adjustment mechanisms, and acts as the deployment base for kite operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures and minimizes overall system complexity
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 combination increases the operational efficiency of offshore wind energy production by utilizing kites during windless periods and reduces the need for heavy, large floating cells, resulting in a cost-effective and balanced energy generation system.
Implementation Method 1
a first power generator 10 operatively connected to the tower 11, wherein such first power generator 10 is rotating around the axis of the floating element 1 being pushed by the wind force
Implementation Method 2
a second power generator 20 operatively connected to the floating element 1, wherein the second power generator 20 is rotating around the axis of the floating element 1 being pushed by the wind force
Implementation Method 3
an elongated floating element 1 adapted to rotate around and move along its own axis in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the liquid mass M (commonly sea) wherein the elongated floating element 1 is immersed and floats
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An offshore floating infrastructure for exploiting wind energy is described, comprising: an elongated floating element (1); a tower (11) arranged on and coaxial with the floating element (1); a first power generator (10) operatively connected to the tower (11), the first power generator (10) being rotating around the axis of the floating element (1) being pushed by the wind force; a wind rotor (12) assembled on the first power generator (10); and a second power generator (20) operatively connected to the floating element (1), the second power generator (20) being rotating around the axis of the floating element (1) being pushed by the wind force, the second power generator (20) being equipped with at least one oscillating arm (21) interacting with a system of ropes (22) adapted to connect the second power generator (20) to at least one power kite (23).