Segmented Offshore Wind Foundation Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of tower-like structures, such as wind power plants, in sea areas is challenging due to the need for high lifting and transportation capacity, increased logistics costs, and reduced installation accuracy caused by massive foundation components, which are difficult to handle and transport in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transporting steel structures of the base and tubular parts to the installation site, embedding the base into the seabed, lowering and straightening the tubular part, fastening it to the base using grouting, and filling the base with concrete and ballast, allowing for a strong and durable foundation that can be reused or expanded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base part is made massive to ensure stability in harsh sea conditions, then the stability and strength of the foundation is improved, but the lifting and transportation capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into two separate parts: a base part and a tubular part. The base part is constructed onshore and transported to the installation site, while the tubular part is installed separately by lowering it into the base part at the installation site. This segmentation allows the base part to be optimized for strength without requiring excessive lifting capacity during installation, as only the lighter base part needs to be transported and installed initially.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base part size is increased to improve stability against tipping moments and shear forces, then the foundation stability is improved, but the transportation and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the foundation into a base part and a tubular part, the invention enables the base part to be constructed with optimal dimensions for stability while keeping its weight and size manageable for transportation. The tubular part, which extends above water level, is installed separately by lowering it into the pre-installed base part, avoiding the need to transport and handle a single massive integrated structure.
3Reliability
If the base part weight is increased to ensure adequate ballast and grounding, then the anti-toppling capability is improved, but the installation accuracy becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the base part to be installed first with proper grounding and ballasting to ensure anti-toppling capability, while the tubular part is subsequently lowered into position and connected. This sequential installation process improves accuracy by allowing each component to be positioned and secured separately, rather than attempting to install a single massive structure with both functions simultaneously.
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 method significantly reduces installation costs and complexity, enabling efficient and accurate construction of wind power plants with a durable foundation that can support multiple turbines over a long service life, while minimizing the need for large cranes and expensive logistics.
Implementation Method 1
fastening the tubular part to the base part by means of grouting
Implementation Method 2
The base part has to be massive and its bottom area should be large enough for the wind power plant to remain standing even in the most forceful wave, flow, wind and ice conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of constructing a foundation for a tower-like structure in a water area, wherein a base part (1) of the foundation is supported against a bottom and the base part is provided with an upwards-oriented part (2) which extends above water level and to which a lower part of the tower-like structure is fastened. Steel structures of the base part (1) and the tubular part (2) serving as a part oriented upwards from the base part are manufactured on the mainland as uniform parts and reinforced to be ready for concrete pouring. The steel structures of the base part (1) and the tubular part (2) are transported to an installation site, and the base part (1) is installed by embedding the base part into the bottom. The tubular part (2) is lowered to the bottom, arranged in the base part provided in the bottom and straightened into an upright position. The tubular part (2) is fastened to the base part by means of grouting, and the base part (1) provided in the bottom is filled with concrete and covered by ballast, crushed stone and/or earth masses (10).