Pile Upending System With Aligned Hoisting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pile upending systems for offshore wind turbines face challenges in safely upending large, heavy monopiles due to the risk of local bending stresses and the need for hazardous outboard operations, which can be dangerous for personnel.
Innovation Solution
A pile upending system comprising a pivotally mounted support frame with a cable system and an outboard support system that allows the hoisting member to maintain alignment with the pile's seat during longitudinal movement, reducing the need for outboard operations and distributing mechanical stress, thereby enhancing safety and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional outboard support methods are used during pile upending, then the pile can be supported during rotation, but personnel must perform hazardous outboard operations below the pile
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal outboard operations to vertical alignment by positioning the hoisting member directly above the seat. The pile is supported vertically during upending, eliminating the need for personnel to work horizontally below the pile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous outboard operations are extracted and eliminated from the system. The hoisting member and seat are aligned vertically so that the pile can be supported and manipulated without requiring personnel to perform outboard operations in dangerous positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hoisting member is positioned close to the seat, then alignment is maintained, but the system lacks flexibility for different pile configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is made extendable and adjustable, allowing dynamic repositioning of the hoisting member relative to the seat. This enables the system to adapt to different pile configurations while maintaining proper vertical alignment through adjustable positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable frame member design allows the same system to accommodate multiple pile sizes and configurations. The hoisting member can be repositioned along the frame member to maintain optimal alignment with the seat for various operational requirements.
3Strength
If rigid support structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate movement and alignment adjustments during upending
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines rigid structural elements with movable and adjustable components. The frame member can be extended and repositioned while maintaining structural integrity, allowing alignment adjustments without compromising the strength required to support heavy piles during upending operations.
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
The system significantly reduces the risk of personnel injury by minimizing outboard operations and distributing mechanical stress, ensuring safer and more efficient upending of monopiles for offshore wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
comprising one or more tensioned or tensionable cables having an outboard end provided with a hoisting member for supporting the outboard end of the pile during upending
Implementation Method 2
the pile support frame being pivotally mounted to allow movement around a support frame axis of rotation for allowing the seat to support the pile during upending
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pile upending system for upending a pile such as a monopile for the foundation of offshore wind turbines, the pile upending system comprising;a pivotally mounted pile support frame having a seat for engaging an outside wall of a pile, the pile support frame being pivotable around a support frame axis of rotation for allowing the seat to support the pile during upending,a cable system for supporting an, in use outboard, end of a pile, comprising one or more tensioned or tensionable cables having an outboard end provided with a hoisting member for supporting the outboard end of the pile during upending of said pile,an outboard support system comprising a frame member for, in use, extending outboard and supporting the hoisting member of the cable system,wherein the outboard support system is arranged with respect to the pile support frame such that the frame member extends transverse with respect to the support frame axis of rotation for arranging the hoisting member at a distance from the seat and aligned with the seat such that a pile may engage the hoisting member upon longitudinal movement of the pile along the seat.