Semi-submersible Floating Wind Generator with Segmented Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore wind power generation technologies, such as Spar and semi-submersible floating foundations, face challenges in shallow waters due to large draft depths, poor hydrodynamic performance, and complex structures, which affect stability and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submersible floating wind power generator design featuring a main post and auxiliary posts with supporting rods and post bases, where the main post is positioned higher than the auxiliary posts, and the center of gravity is lowered using ballast, improving stability and hydrodynamic performance by reducing draft depth and wave load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If Spar type floating foundation with shallow draft is used, then it is suitable for shallow waters, but the waterline area becomes large leading to large wave loads and poor hydrodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The floating foundation is divided into multiple posts (main post and auxiliary posts) that are segmented and distributed in space. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve both shallow draft and reduced waterline area by distributing the buoyancy across multiple smaller posts rather than one large structure, thereby reducing wave loads while maintaining shallow draft capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-post vertical structure to a multi-post spatial arrangement. By adding the horizontal dimension with multiple posts distributed in space, the foundation achieves shallow draft in the vertical dimension while minimizing wave load through the spatial distribution that reduces the effective waterline area exposed to waves
2Length of stationary object
If semi-submersible floating foundation with widely spaced posts is used, then it provides restoring moment and small draft, but the post diameters become large resulting in larger response to wave load and motion
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into one main post and multiple auxiliary posts with different diameter specifications. The auxiliary posts have smaller diameters (one-tenth of wave wavelength) compared to traditional semi-submersible designs, which reduces the wave load response while maintaining the restoring moment through the distributed configuration and ballast system
Solution Approach 2:
Different posts are assigned different local qualities - the main post has larger diameter for structural integrity and connection, while the auxiliary posts have optimized smaller diameters (one-tenth of wave wavelength) to minimize wave load response. This local differentiation allows the structure to achieve both stability and reduced wave response
3Length of stationary object
If Spar type floating foundation with shallow draft is used, then it is suitable for shallow waters, but manufacturing and assembly become inconvenient affecting economic benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The floating foundation is segmented into modular components (main post, auxiliary posts, connecting members, ballast tanks) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation makes manufacturing more convenient compared to building a single large shallow-draft Spar structure, as each component can be fabricated using standard procedures and then connected through pre-designed connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a single integrated post to a multi-post spatial configuration, the design enables modular manufacturing of smaller components that are easier to fabricate and transport, then assemble in the desired spatial arrangement. This dimensional approach to design facilitates manufacturing convenience while achieving the shallow draft requirement
4Device complexity
If no measures are taken to lower center of gravity, then structure is simple, but stability is poor and draft depth increases when tilted
Solution Approach 1:
Ballast tanks are installed in the lower portions of the posts to provide counterweight that lowers the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. This creates a stable equilibrium where the ballast acts as a counterweight to maintain upright position, preventing excessive tilting and maintaining consistent draft depth. The ballast system adds complexity but provides crucial stability
Solution Approach 2:
The stability solution is implemented by adding the vertical dimension of ballast placement - ballast tanks are positioned in the lower portions of the posts, utilizing the vertical dimension to lower the center of gravity. This vertical arrangement of ballast provides stability without requiring complex horizontal structural modifications, achieving stability with relatively simple vertical placement of ballast elements
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 enhances stability and hydrodynamic performance, allows operation in shallower waters, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains draft volume even when tilted, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the center of gravity can be lowered by using the post bases containing ballast at the bottom, the position of the center of buoyancy can be improved... the combination of the two ensures that the center of gravity of the floating foundation is lower than the center of buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
the position of the center of buoyancy can be improved by arranging the supporting rods at the upper part of the draft part of the floating foundation
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-submersible floating wind power generator includes a wind power generator set, a post device, a load carrying device and a mooring device. The wind power generator set is disposed at a first end of the post device. The load carrying device is disposed at a second end of the post device. The mooring device is disposed at the second end of the post device. The post device includes a main post and multiple auxiliary posts. The main post is disposed in parallel with the multiple auxiliary posts, and second ends of the multiple auxiliary posts are aligned such that the second ends of the multiple auxiliary posts form a first plane, and the second end of the main post is disposed at a position closer to the first end of the main post than the first plane.