Offshore Windmill Installation Platform and Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windmill installation techniques pose safety risks and operational limitations due to the need for heavy equipment and large cranes, especially in offshore installations, which restrict the installation window to a few months per year in high winds.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hoisting platform and a carrier, operatively connectable to platform legs, allows for the positioning and movement of windmill components for installation, enabling safer and more efficient transport, transfer, and assembly of wind turbines using a mobile turbine carrier and rigging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large capacity cranes and heavy equipment are used for offshore windmill installation, then the windmill can be installed, but the safety risk to workers increases and the installation window is limited to a few months per year
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is divided into modular components (tower sections, nacelle, rotor) that can be assembled in a controlled environment on the platform and then installed as pre-assembled units, reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment and minimizing worker exposure to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 2:
An offshore platform serves as an intermediary base for assembling and staging wind turbine components before final installation. This platform acts as a safe intermediate location where components can be prepared without exposing workers to the hazards of direct offshore installation operations
2Reliability
If large capacity cranes are used for windmill installation, then the installation can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is segmented into multiple simpler components including the offshore platform, modular turbine sections, and smaller handling equipment. This eliminates the need for single complex heavy-lift cranes while achieving the same installation capability through coordinated simpler systems
Solution Approach 2:
The offshore platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can assemble, store, and launch multiple turbine components. This universal platform replaces the need for specialized heavy equipment for each installation task, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If conventional installation methods with fixed equipment are used, then the windmill can be installed during limited windows, but the productivity and year-round operation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed installation equipment to a dynamic offshore platform that can be repositioned and reconfigured. The platform can adjust its position and the turbine components can be reoriented to optimize for different weather conditions, enabling year-round installations regardless of seasonal wind patterns
Solution Approach 2:
Turbine components are pre-assembled and staged on the offshore platform before final installation. This preliminary assembly in a controlled environment prepares components in advance, allowing rapid deployment when installation conditions are favorable and maximizing productivity during available installation windows
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for installing a windmill are provided. The system has a hoisting platform and a carrier. The hoisting platform is operatively connectable to at least one platform leg extending a distance above a base. The hoisting platform is positionable along the platform leg(s). The carrier receives at least one component of the windmill, and is positionable about the hoisting platform and movable thereby whereby the component(s) of the windmill is/are positionable for installation.