Segmented Buoyancy Bodies for Floating Wind Turbines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating wind turbine buoyancy body designs are complex to manufacture and assemble, requiring significant material and labor, and are not optimized for lightweight, material-compatible construction, especially under hydrostatic pressure loads.
Innovation Solution
The design features buoyancy bodies formed from multiple elements arranged concentrically around a central element, with thicker convex surfaces for increased buckling strength and a multi-part structure to minimize material usage, allowing for detachable and transportable components made from lightweight materials like glass-fiber reinforced plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If buoyancy bodies are made from steel or small pieces, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy body is divided into multiple detachable elements that can be assembled from a central element. Each element has a standardized interface for connection, allowing modular construction that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures within the buoyancy body elements, combining materials with different properties to achieve both strength and weight optimization. The elements can be made from lightweight materials like glass-fiber reinforced plastics with internal reinforcement structures that provide the necessary structural strength without requiring solid steel construction.
2Ease of operation
If buoyancy bodies are made from small pieces, then assembly flexibility is improved, but material expenditure and installation problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy body is segmented into a limited number of standardized elements that attach to a central element, providing assembly flexibility while minimizing the total number of components needed. This segmented design allows for efficient material utilization and reduces installation complexity compared to using many small pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy body elements are designed with universal attachment interfaces that can accommodate different configuration requirements. The same element design can be used in various positions and arrangements, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and minimizing overall material expenditure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If one-piece production of floating body is used, then structural integrity is improved, but transport problems increase due to size
Solution Approach 1:
The floating body is segmented into multiple detachable elements that can be transported separately to the installation site. These elements can then be assembled on-site to form the complete buoyancy structure, solving transport problems while maintaining structural integrity through the designed connection interfaces between elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional monolithic structure to a modular assembly of smaller elements. This dimensional decomposition allows the components to be transported through standard infrastructure limitations and then reassembled in the intended configuration at the destination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If production from small pieces is used, then adaptability is improved, but hydrostatic pressure loads increase demands on structure and material
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy body is segmented into elements of optimized size that can withstand hydrostatic pressure loads effectively. Each element is designed with appropriate wall thickness and structural features to resist pressure, and the segmented design allows for adaptability in configuration while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality optimization by designing each buoyancy element with specific structural characteristics suited for pressure resistance. The elements can have varied wall thicknesses, reinforcement locations, and material properties in different regions to efficiently handle hydrostatic pressure loads while maintaining design adaptability.
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 design reduces material usage and weight, simplifies transportation and assembly, and lowers costs by distributing hydrostatic pressure effectively, while also reducing wave resistance and the need for anchor materials.
Implementation Method 1
a floating foundation having a plurality of buoyancy bodies
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine includes a floating foundation having a plurality of buoyancy bodies, the buoyancy bodies being formed from a plurality of buoyancy body elements designed as hollow bodies, which are arranged adjacent to one another in a first plane concentrically around each central element extending from the floating foundation and are connected to said central element. Each buoyancy body element has a surface supported on the central element, a convex surface arranged opposite the central element, and two lateral surfaces each supported on a lateral surface of an adjacent buoyancy body element.