Relocatable Quay Elevator for Floating Wind Platform Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of offshore floating wind turbine platforms is challenging due to their size and weight, requiring costly permanent infrastructure modifications or expensive submersible barges, and existing quays lack the necessary infrastructure for efficient deployment.
Innovation Solution
A relocatable quay system with an elevator system that can raise and lower a deck to receive and deploy floating units, equipped with features like ballast compartments and jack-up systems to adjust to water levels and tides, allowing for horizontal transfer and separation from the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If permanent tailormade equipment is built into the stationary quay to handle deployment, then deployment capability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into separate functional modules: a relocatable quay unit with deck and elevator system that can be positioned independently of the stationary quay. This segmentation allows the deployment equipment to be moved to different locations without modifying the permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The quay is designed with dynamic characteristics - the deck can be raised and lowered by the elevator system, and the entire relocatable quay can be moved to different positions. This dynamic capability enables the same equipment to adapt to various deployment scenarios without permanent modifications.
2Ease of operation
If submersible barges are used to deploy floating platforms, then deployment capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relocatable quay uses a cost-effective design that replaces expensive submersible barges. The deck and elevator system provide a more economical solution for deploying floating platforms, reducing operational costs while maintaining deployment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the quay is made relocatable to serve multiple locations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quay system is segmented into movable and stationary components. The deck and elevator system form a relocatable unit that can be transported to different locations, while the stationary quay provides fixed support infrastructure. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring the entire system to be complex and movable.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective deployment and recovery of floating wind turbine platforms by minimizing the need for permanent modifications and expensive vessels, adapting to varying water conditions, and facilitating relocation for multiple installations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ballast compartment positionable to intake water from the body of water to lower the deck and to eject water into the body of water to raise the deck
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A relocatable quay includes a deck that is relocatable in a body of water adjacent a stationary quay. The deck is positioned at the stationary quay to receive a floating unit. The relocatable quay also includes an elevator system positionable to raise and lower the deck to receive the floating unit from the stationary quay and to deploy the floating unit into the body of water.