Removable Floating Wind Turbine Platform Mooring
Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore wind turbine installation and maintenance methods are costly and inefficient, particularly for large turbines, due to complex maritime conditions, high downtime risks, and the need for specialized equipment, which are exacerbated by dynamic loads and accessibility issues in deep waters.
Innovation Solution
A floating wind energy generating device with multiple smaller-scale wind turbines mounted on a floating open structure, moored to the seabed with a mooring system, featuring a central power electronic unit connected to a submerged high voltage export cable, allowing for enhanced stability during transport and operation, and enabling easy maintenance and repair by disconnecting from the mooring system for shore-based servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dedicated jack-up barges are used for installation, then installation capability is improved, but installation cost and downtime risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive dedicated jack-up barges with conventional, readily available tugboats for the installation process. This substitution of installation equipment reduces capital costs and eliminates the risk of breakdowns associated with specialized vessels, while still enabling effective turbine installation through a modified approach using multiple smaller turbines on a floating platform.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent foundations are used, then turbine stability is improved, but decommissioning cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foundation system into separate, removable components rather than using permanent monolithic foundations. The floating platform structure with modular support elements can be disassembled and removed without substantial decommissioning costs, eliminating the need to remove permanent foundations while maintaining operational stability during the turbine's service life.
3Power
If single large wind turbine is used, then power production is improved, but maintenance cost and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation capacity into multiple smaller wind turbines mounted on the floating platform. This segmentation allows individual turbines to be maintained or replaced without shutting down the entire facility, as other turbines continue to generate power. This reduces both maintenance downtime and costs compared to a single large turbine where any maintenance requires complete shutdown.
4Adaptability or versatility
If floating structure is used, then installation flexibility is improved, but structural stability during operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ballast systems and weight distribution mechanisms within the floating platform structure to counteract the instability inherent in floating designs. By strategically placing ballast tanks and heavy components, the platform achieves adequate operational stability while retaining the installation flexibility benefits of a floating structure that can be deployed in deeper waters and assembled offshore.
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 solution reduces installation and maintenance costs, enhances stability during transport and operation, and minimizes downtime by using conventional tugboats and allowing for individual turbine maintenance without halting production, while also reducing fatigue on electricity cables through optimized mooring and cable configurations.
Implementation Method 1
when disconnected from the mooring system the center of gravity of the floating open structure being at or below its center of buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A floating energy generating device includes at least two wind turbines mounted on a floating open structure, the floating open structure being moored to the seabed with a mooring system, each wind turbine featuring in operation mode a blade and rotor part mounted at the top of a tower and being connected via a cable to a central control power electronic unit on the floating open structure, the central control power unit being connected to a submerged high voltage power export cable for exporting the electricity generated by the at least two windmills, characterized in that the floating open structure being connectable to or disconnectable from the mooring system and that when disconnected from the mooring system, the center of gravity of the floating open structure is at or below its center of buoyancy.