Self-Aligning Floating Platform for Multi-Turbine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind power development is hindered by high construction costs and stability issues of floating wind turbines, particularly in deep waters, where existing solutions like tension leg and adjustable water ballasting systems are inadequate for multiple turbines, leading to inefficiencies in wind energy capture and increased power loss due to wake effects.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning floating platform design supporting multiple wind turbines, featuring a rotation axle fixed to the seabed and a central node with an impact ring, allowing the platform to rotate until the wind load resultant passes through the center of gravity and the rotation axle, thereby stabilizing the platform and optimizing wind energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a floating platform supports multiple wind turbines, then wind energy capture efficiency is improved, but platform stability deteriorates due to increased weight and height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tension leg mooring lines that extend from the floating platform to anchors on the seabed. These mooring lines provide upward buoyant force to counterbalance the downward gravitational force of the multi-turbine structure, creating a stable equilibrium that prevents the platform from sinking while supporting multiple turbines
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform is pre-configured with tension leg mooring lines and anchor systems before deployment. The mooring lines are pre-tensioned to establish the correct initial stability characteristics, allowing the platform to immediately support multiple turbines at their designed operating positions without requiring post-installation adjustment
2Measurement precision
If the platform is restrained from drifting, then positioning accuracy is improved, but rotation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is divided into multiple independent tension leg lines distributed around the platform perimeter. Each line acts as an independent constraint that can be individually adjusted, allowing the platform to maintain its position while rotating, as the lines dynamically redistribute tension forces during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The tension leg mooring lines are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to flex and adjust tension during platform rotation. The lines maintain constant tension while accommodating the changing geometry during rotation, enabling the platform to rotate freely while remaining positioned
3Measurement precision
If traditional mooring systems are used, then platform positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mooring function and the positioning function into a single integrated tension leg mooring system. The same vertical lines that provide buoyant support also serve as the positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate horizontal mooring lines and anchor systems used in traditional designs
Solution Approach 2:
The tension leg mooring lines perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide upward buoyant force to support the platform weight, maintain platform positioning through tension, and allow platform rotation through their dynamic flexibility. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of system components required
4Loss of energy
If wake effects are reduced through increased spacing, then power loss is reduced, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wind turbines onto a single floating platform, creating a multi-turbine array that captures wind energy from different locations simultaneously. This arrangement reduces wake effects between turbines compared to linear spacing, while the platform consolidates the total area occupied into a compact floating structure
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 solution enhances stability and efficiency in wind energy capture by minimizing the sea sweeping area, reducing power loss, and allowing for flexible installation in various water depths, including shallow and deep waters, while reducing the need for extensive mooring systems and yaw mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the floating platform is tied down by mooring lines to the seabed anchor in order to resist the uplifting forces induced by buoyancy of the platform
Implementation Method 2
The floaters are interconnected by tensioned beams or cables, which may act as energy dissipaters
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning to the incoming wind floating platform supporting multiple wind turbines (17, 18) forms a wind power generation unit. Under horizontal wind, the wind load resultant passes the center of geometry (or “C.Geo”) of the wind load receiving areas of the floating platform, but not the turning axis (15). This results in a yaw moment about the turning axis (15) to turn the floating platform, until the wind load resultant simultaneously passes through the C.Geo and the turning axis (15). A wind park or wind farm may include at least one of these floating platforms that are capable of self-aligning to the incoming wind for electric power generation. The floating platform helps reduce the length of a submarine power cable (44) of the platform, hence reducing electric resistance and subsequently heat loss, thereby reducing the cost of the submarine power cable (44).